| Abstract |
Geothermal phenomena in the 11 volcanic Eastern Caribbean islands comprise active and dormant volcanoes, fumaroles, hot springs, mud pots, and altered ground areas. The reason for the existence of these thermal features is the westward subduction of the Atlantic crustal plate beneath the Caribbean plate. Subsurface temperatures recorded in the region range from tepid to more than 290oC as measured in a well drilled in 2013 on Montserrat. Since 2010, geothermal exploration and negotiations for the rights to explore have increased in the region. Following the drilling of three successful slim holes in Nevis, the Nevis Island Administration signed a contract and a power purchase agreement with West Indies Power Holdings (WIPH) only to rescind both in November 2013 in favor of Nevis Renewable Energy International (NREI). As of January 2014, no progress subsequent to the slim-hole drilling, has been made on Nevis geothermal development. Also in 2010, the government of Dominica and Icelandic Drilling, Inc. initiated the drilling of three exploratory slim holes in the Wotton Waven district while in St. Lucia, the government signed a Memorandum of Agreement with UNEC Corporation for exploration and development in the Sulphur Springs region. The Dominica drilling has confirmed the existence of a commercially viable resource with temperatures up to about 240oC and a 10 MWe power plant for domestic use is planned. If the drilling of production-scale wells has similar results, the generation of up to 100 MWe for export via sub-sea cable to Guadeloupe and Martinique is anticipated. In 2013, two wells were successfully drilled and tested in Montserrat. Temperatures up to 298oC were recorded at a depth of 2347 meters and the construction of a 5 MWe power plant is planned for completion by 2016. The work has been funded by the United Kingdom Department for International Development. Finally, negotiations for the rights to explore and develop geothermal resources began in 2013 in St. Vincent and in Grenada. Reykjavik Geothermal has initiated surface studies near the Soufriere Volcano on St. Vincent and GRENLEC, the Grenada utility is reportedly planning geothermal studies in the vicinity of Mt. St. Catherine. Direct use of thermal fluids has not increased significantly since 2010. It is limited to low temperature balneological facilities on Nevis, St. Lucia, and Grenada. |