The GeoSmart Initiative was developed by CDB to provide financing to support sustainable geothermal development in five countries—Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. For these countries, the development of geothermal energy could be an alternative to costly and non-renewable imported fuels.
“Geothermal exploration development is key to Eastern Caribbean countries achieving a diversified energy matrix and increased energy security. The EU-CIF contribution addresses critical gaps in the program by providing grant funding which is especially important in the early stages of geothermal exploration,” said Tessa Williams Robertson, Head, Renewable Energy / Energy Efficiency Unit, CDB.
The EU-CIF funds will be distributed under two components; €9.5 million ($11.2 million) will be used to provide investment grants to fund slim-hole drilling services or full-size exploration drilling; and €2.2 million ($2.6 million) will finance capacity strengthening and interconnection feasibility studies
A further €300,000 ($353,000) will cover the costs of an audit, evaluation and visibility.
CDB’s GeoSmart Initiative targets the establishment of up to 60 MW of geothermal energy generating capacity in the five Eastern Caribbean countries. This is expected to reduce dependence on imported oil across these countries by up to an estimated 722 thousand barrels per year.
