Geothermal Energy Questionnaire Report

BACKGROUND
All Countries of the Eastern Caribbean are almost totally dependent on imported fossil fuel despite their significant potential for renewable energy such as solar, hydro, wind and geothermal. In recent years geothermal energy has emerged as a priority for the sub-region and the scientific evidence shows a strong potential for development: Currently, seven of the ten OECS Member States are working toward the development of their geothermal resources.

The OECS Commission is currently responding to this priority and is working to support OECS Member States in their geothermal energy efforts. The 2nd Council of Ministers Environmental Sustainability of the OECS held in Antigua and Barbuda on October 8th, 2015, mandated “the OECS Commission to lead the process on the development of a regional strategy for geothermal development in the OECS”.

Subsequent to this, in May 2016 a geothermal workshop was held in St. Kitts, jointly organised by the CARICOM Secretariat and the OECS Commission, under the topic “Opportunities and Synergies for Collaboration”. At this workshop, a regional strategy was discussed and it was suggested that an online platform could support the collaboration within the OECS Member States for geothermal energy.