This initiative is based on the premise that the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has significant geothermal power generation potential up to several hundreds of MWs and is considered a low hanging fruit option among the eastern Caribbean island states with the potential to supply power beyond the current and future power demand needs of the twin-island federation. According to the World Bank report, a 400MW interconnection between Nevis and Puerto Rico can become highly economic if geothermal electric power from Nevis replaces imported fossil fuels in Puerto Rico. Recognizing this opportunity and urgency for action, the Government of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis via its Ministry of Housing, Energy, Public Works and Utilities has requested the OAS’ assistance in the design, execution and supervision of a pre-feasibility study of an inter-island electricity interconnection between the Federation and Puerto Rico.

The OAS and KEMA project teams, with the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) as official partner to the ECPA Caribbean Initiative, are scheduled to execute a mission to Puerto Rico and St. Kitts and Nevis for the second week of December to hold initial formal and technical consultations with government and utility representatives and other key stakeholders from Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands and St. Kitts and Nevis.

This study demands a comprehensive and collaborative effort between the islands involved in order to assess rational and sustainable energy supply alternatives to guarantee the accrual of benefits to involved parties. The pre-feasibility study is financed by the ECPA Caribbean Initiative with funds originating from the U.S. Department of State.

For more information about this program, please contact Mr. Kevin de Cuba and/or Mr. Ruben Contreras.