Geothermal development in Montserrat
CASTRIES, St. Lucia, Dec 16, CMC – A delegation from the World Bank, the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) and the New Zealand government has held talks with government on advancing the island’s geothermal project, according to an official statement issued here Tuesday.
It said that the teams from the World Bank and the New Zealand government made presentations to the senior government officials from key ministries that will be integrally involved in facilitating the island’s geothermal development.
The delegation also discussed issues relating to land, and the development of a public engagement strategy.
“This community engagement strategy is expected to commence early next year. Already, in-depth discussions have been held with the Piton Management Area staff and the Soufriere Regional Development Foundation to discuss how Soufriere may be more integrally involved in the project planning and execution phases,” the statement said.
St. Lucia is seeking to develop its geothermal energy sector utilising the Sulphur Springs in Soufriere, east of there, and the island has so far spent US$2.8 million in financial and technical assistance grants from the World Bank and the New Zealand government, with supplementary funding of one million US dollars from the fifth disbursement of St. Lucia`s Global Environment Facility (GEF).
“The Geothermal Resource Development Project in Soufriere is a key pillar of St. Lucia`s Sustainable Energy programme, as it has the potential to provide a steady base-load of electricity; stabilize energy prices way into the future; attract investment as a result; and place St. Lucia on an irreversible path to sustainable economic development,” the government statement added.
Pic – one of MNI geothermal pics
