By Alexander Richter From Think GeoEnergy

The New Zealand Government and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) have formally confirmed their ongoing partnership in support of geothermal energy development in the Eastern Caribbean.

Last week, New Zealand High Commissioner Jan Henderson met with President of CDB, William Warren Smith, to  discuss progress on  the implementation of the CDB GeoSMART Initiative, which has been receiving technical support from the New Zealand Government.

“New Zealand recognises renewable energy as a key enabler of sustainable economic development and a high priority for Small Island Developing States, and works with partners in the Caribbean to expand access to affordable, reliable, and renewable energy,” said Mrs Henderson.

“CDB welcomes the support and partnership of the Government of New Zealand, as we work towards transforming the energy sector in the Caribbean. The CDB GeoSMART Initiative taps the significant potential of geothermal energy to substantially accelerate progress on the shift to affordable and clean energy throughout the Eastern Caribbean,” added Dr Smith.

The GeoSMART Initiative was developed by CDB to provide appropriate and responsive financing to accelerate sustainable geothermal development in the Eastern Caribbean. Through a Letter of Intent, New Zealand confirmed its support for the Initiative through the provision of specialist drilling, geoscience and engineering advisory services.

IMAGES:

New Zealand High Commissioner Jan Henderson (left); President of CDB, William Warren Smith; right commemorate New Zealand and CDB’s ongoing partnership in support of geothermal energy development in the Eastern Caribbean (source: MFAT, NZ)

Left to right: New Zealand Geothermal Adviser, Alastair Brookes; Head of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, CDB, Tessa Williams-Robertson; Vice-President (Operations), CDB, Patricia McKenzie; New Zealand High Commissioner Jan Henderson; President of CDB, William Warren Smith; and Sustainable Energy Adviser, CDB, Joseph Williams were part of the discussion.

For more on this story go to: http://www.thinkgeoenergy.com/new-zealand-and-caribbean-development-bank-confirm-partnership-on-geothermal/