Deputy Premier and Minister of Communications & Works, the Honourable Charles T. Kirnon
GIU – Deputy Premier and Minister of Communications & Works, the Honourable Charles T. Kirnon has said Montserrat is actively exploring renewable sources of energy.
Minister Kirnon said during the launch of the new power station project for Montserrat that one of the government’s medium term goals is “to reduce the island’s dependence on imported fossil fuel for its energy needs. Government is therefore advancing its plans at geothermal development.”
DFID Programme Representative for Montserrat Kato Kimbugwe said at the same launch that they are in support of the Government’s desire to find more secure platforms of renewable like geothermal and wind.
DFID Programme Representative for Montserrat Kato Kimbugwe
“DFID is currently working with the government to determine the best approach to geothermal development that would be a catalyst for wider economic development leading to self-sufficiency. There are various strands of work underway that will culminate in a decision before the end of the year.”
In the interim Kimbugwe urged the government to urgently promote comprehensive energy efficiency measures and facilitate the importance of energy saving light bulbs and other energy saving devices to demonstrate credible steps in energy conservation and prevent further increased reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
DFID is contributing 22.4 million Eastern Caribbean (EC) dollars to a 36 million EC dollar power plant project for Montserrat which will provide the island with a more efficient supply of power and opens the door for a transition to more renewable sources of energy.
An economic impact study on the potential for geothermal energy is to be done before year’s end.
