by B. Roach
DFID's Karen McGeough
While speaking to reporters here DFID’s Montserrat Programme, Manager Karen McGeough, and Private Sector Adviser and in-country representative, Kato Kimbugwe, confirmed that that in terms of Geothermal energy, the Government of Montserrat (GoM)has received various private sector offers for developing the geothermal potential of Montserrat.
The duo added that the GoM for itself had already done the extensive studies about the potential for wind power energy also.
On the wind energy, they said they have looked at numbers. “I think some of the numbers that we’ve seen talk about – if you have six generators you will get at least 40% of the local capacity that is required…could be generated from wind power,” Kimbugwe said.
Kato said, however that there is an understanding of problems with land acquisition of the site that has been identified. A problem he said, “not in our hands … that’s in the hands of GoM to explore,” adding that technical support and expertise would be available to see how best to move the project forward.’
On the more talked about issue of Geothermal he said, “The government has received various private sector offers for developing the geothermal potential of Montserrat.”
“However,” he said, “the government of Montserrat will then require some sort of expertise to evaluate those proposals and provide recommendations as what’s in the best interest for Montserrat in the long-term.”
- Private Sector Adviser and in-country representative Kato Kimbugwe
The DFID official said that given what’s been mentioned, geothermal could be a significant game changer for economic development on the island. “…so we think that’s an important area to spend some sort of money to provide Government of Montserrat with the relevant expertise,” he said.
Meanwhile, CRM founders of Montserrat Geothermal Investments Ltd. (MGI Ltd.) had this to say yesterday on the foregoing news: “Montserrat Geothermal Board of Directors appreciates any assistance to further the development of geothermal on Montserrat provided the People of Montserrat retain ownership of this resource.”
They further said that the company, “is presently working with the Government to see that this is achieved. We are sure that the evaluation process will be fully transparent as was hoped for by the Secretary of State, and we look forward to participating.”
In response to a question regarding HMG,s support for geothermal energy development in Montserrat during Secretary of State Andrew Mitchell brief press meet last week he said he met on his way to Montserrat, someone who told him, ‘that geothermal was a huge opportunity here.’
He added, “If the Chief Minister and his Ministers are able to drive forward this opportunity in a transparent way, ensuring that it is dealt with according to the best practice, principles of openness, and as I say,” he repeated, “transparency, then I think that will be a very significant gain for Montserrat and; also a very significant example to others of the practices and principles that Montserrat is seeking to live by.”
