Power Below the Surface: OECS Commission launches comprehensive guide to geothermal energy development

OECS MEDIA RELEASE

April 9, 2025

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission has announced the launch of "Power Below The Surface: Harnessing Geothermal Energy in the OECS", a groundbreaking publication that charts the path toward sustainable energy independence in the Eastern Caribbean.

The booklet was launched in a special “OECS sustainable energy celebration” at the climax of the 3rd Nationally Determined Contributions Investment Forum and Marketplace, held at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort from March 31 to April 2. It was formally presented to Hon. Konris Maynard of St Kitts and Nevis, the current chair of the OECS Council of Ministers: Energy by Dr. Ernie Stapleton, OECS GEOBUILD's Project Manager.

This comprehensive, 48-page publication, developed under the OECS Geothermal Energy: Capacity Building for Utilisation, Investment and Local Development (GEOBUILD) Programme, details the current status of geothermal projects across the region, from Dominica's advanced 10-megawatt plant development scheduled for completion in December 2025 to emerging projects in four other Member States: Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Judith Ephraim, Programme Director, Sustainable Energy, of the OECS Commission, said: "This publication marks a significant milestone in our region's journey toward energy security and sustainability as we place on record the journey towards geothermal energy development from the Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) context. Whilst many islands have good potential for geothermal energy, the unique nature of geothermal and the circumstances of SIDS makes the development of geothermal though a worthwhile undertaking, one which needs strong commitment, strategy and partnerships. It is therefore important to understand the steps taken so far to build on the knowledge base for geothermal development on islands.”

"By harnessing the heat beneath our feet, we can transform both our energy landscape and economic trajectory, reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels while providing stable, renewable power to our citizens."

The booklet also addresses key aspects of geothermal development, including environmental benefits, economic advantages, and various technological approaches to geothermal power generation.

The publication of "Power Below The Surface" comes at a crucial moment as the OECS embarks on a Decade of Action for Sustainable Energy Development. This comprehensive synopsis underscores the exceptional promise of geothermal energy in the Eastern Caribbean, where volcanic geology creates ideal conditions for this renewable resource.

The booklet makes a compelling case for geothermal energy's particular viability in the OECS: The Eastern Caribbean's unique advantage lies in its volcanic geology, with eight out of eleven member states having volcanic origins suitable for geothermal development.

The economic benefits are especially significant for the region. Geothermal energy offers:

Stabilised electricity prices through independence from volatile fossil fuel markets
Reduced foreign exchange spending on imported fuels
Potential for new industry development, including opportunities in agro-processing, food drying, spas, and fish production
Job creation and local economic stimulation
Possibilities for energy export to neighbouring islands by submarine cable

The environmental advantages of geothermal power are particularly relevant to the Caribbean context:

Near-zero carbon emissions compared to diesel power plants
Minimal land use requirements compared to other energy sources
High resilience to hurricanes and natural disasters
Reliable, ‘always-on’, base-load power generation that complements other renewable sources

Developed with support from the Caribbean Development Bank, the European Union and the Inter-American Development Bank and with contributions by energy ministries in each of GEOBUILD’s five participating Member States, the publication serves as both an educational resource and a strategic document for policymakers, investors, and stakeholders in the region's energy industry.

“Power Below the Surface” is available in both print and digital formats, with the electronic version accessible at www.oecs.int/geobuild.

Watch a video about the booklet here: https://bit.ly/powerbelowthesurfacebookletvideo

About OECS GEOBUILD:

The OECS Geothermal Energy Capacity Building for Utilisation, Investment and Local Development (OECS GEOBUILD) is a programme of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Commission aimed at unlocking the geothermal energy potential in five OECS Member States. The programme works to bring economic and environmental benefits beyond electric power generation, contributing to the sustainable development of the region. It is supported by the Caribbean Development Bank, the European Union Caribbean Investment Facility and the Inter-American Development Bank.