CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC—The St. Lucia-based Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission says it has secured vital technical assistance to build local expertise as the first geothermal power plant in the subregion nears completion and other OECS countries advance their projects.
Dominica is set to begin constructing the first geothermal power plant in the OECS and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), following 38 years of power generation from geothermal sources in the neighboring French island of Guadeloupe. Construction is expected to be completed at the end of 2025.
The OECS groups the independent islands of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and St. Kitts-Nevis.
The OECS Geothermal Energy Capacity Building for Utilisation, Investment, and Local Development (OECS GEOBUILD) program has announced a strategic collaboration with the Aotearoa New Zealand-Caribbean Facility for Renewable Energy (FRENZ) to conduct a comprehensive analysis of geothermal energy skills and training needs across the region.
The OECS GEOBUILD program aims to unlock the geothermal energy potential in five OECS member states. It is intended to bring economic and environmental benefits beyond electric power generation, contributing to the region’s sustainable development.
It is supported by the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank, the European Union Caribbean Investment Facility, and the Inter-American Development Bank (DB).
FRENZ is supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) through its International Development Cooperation. The six-month initiative will create a roadmap for developing sustainable capacity in geothermal energy development.
“This collaboration is critical in our region’s energy transition. With multiple geothermal projects moving forward simultaneously at varying stages of development, we must ensure our people have the skills and education to develop and manage these resources effectively. We cannot rely indefinitely on external expertise,” said Dr Ernie Stapleton, the GEOBUILD project manager.
The initiative will examine workforce requirements across the geothermal development cycle, from initial exploration to power plant operation.
It will identify opportunities to build expertise in project management, engineering, technical, environmental and social monitoring, community engagement, and regulatory oversight, essential skills as each OECS member state joins the French island of Guadeloupe in generating power or other direct uses from the heat beneath our feet.
“This isn’t just about training individuals. It’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem of knowledge and expertise that can support geothermal development across the entire region, building on the skills of those OECS nationals who have already undertaken training in this area in countries that are geothermal leaders, such as Iceland,” said” said Dr. Stapleton.
He added, “As we work to reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels, having this homegrown capacity becomes increasingly critical. ”
FRENZ is delivered by Cowater International in association with JRG Energy and Elemental Group. The FRENZ team will provide technical assistance, drawing on New Zealand’s extensive experience in geothermal energy development.
Their final action plan will provide a detailed framework for building sustainable capacity in the OECS geothermal energy sector.
The initiative builds on nearly a decade of New Zealand’s engagement in Caribbean geothermal development and represents a significant step forward in the region’s transition to renewable energy.
The resulting action plan will inform future capacity-building initiatives under the OECS GEOBUILD Programme and help ensure the long-term sustainability of geothermal projects across the OECS.
“It is a pleasure to continue our working relationship with the OECS and build on our knowledge of geothermal energy development in the Caribbean. This activity will provide a great foundation for moving towards a sustainable geothermal industry in the region,” said
Alastair Brookes is the lead advisor for FRENZ. The OECS Commission says the geothermal sector presents unique challenges for workforce development in small island states.
“Projects take years to develop, and opportunities for hands-on experience are limited. The collaboration with FRENZ is intended to help OECS GEOBUILD identify creative ways to build and maintain expertise even as projects progress at different speeds across different islands.”
It said New Zealand’s track record extends over 60 years of geothermal operations, including electricity generation, industrial processes, tourism, and cultural uses. Twenty power plants over eight high-temperature fields generate approximately eight trillion watt-hours annually.
In 2022, geothermal resources contributed roughly 20 percent of New Zealand’s electricity supply, while all renewable resources generated 87 percent.
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