On Wednesday, the Nevis Island Administrations, the Nevis Electric Company and Nevis Renewable Energy International signed a PPA for the development of geothermal on the island. Geothermal power in Nevis could make the island the first to be powered exclusively by renewable energy.
The first phrase of the project will supply the island with 9 MW of base load and peak power supply energy. When the first well comes online in late 2017, Nevis will operate on 100% renewable energy.
The second phase will produce 40 – 50 MW of additional power that will be wired to neighboring islands. The US State Department released a statement applauding the Nevis Island Administration of taking the lead on developing the first inter-island electrical connection in the Caribbean.
According to Mark Brantley, Deputy Premier of Nevis,
“The Nevis geothermal project will create increased economic growth, reduced power costs, increase employment and create new economic opportunities for local businesses.”