By LK Hewlett From St Kitts & Nevis Observer

US lauds island’s green energy development progress

Nevis has been recognized by the US government for signing a model geothermal power purchase agreement (PPA) that could see the provision of the renewable energy source to the entire island.

The Nevis Electricity Company (NEVLEC) on November 20 signed the PPA with geothermal developers Nevis Renewable Energy International (NREI).

According to a November 25 statement by the US State Department, it applauds the signing of the PPA, as the Nevis geothermal project “has not only the potential to provide sustainable renewable power to the entire country, but also may lead to the first inter-island electrical interconnection in the Caribbean”.

The release also noted the support the US government has provided to the Nevis Island Administration in its geothermal development project which led to the signing of the PPA.

“The United States government, through its Caribbean Energy Security Initiative, aims to accelerate the diversification of Caribbean energy systems through support for improved governance, increases access to finance, and enhanced donor coordination.

“The signing of this PPA is an important step towards Caribbean energy sustainability and security through the diversification of resources.”

Nevis Deputy Premier Hon. Mark Brantley told The Observer that Nevisians should be proud that the island is being recognized by the US government as a role model in the Caribbean green energy revolution.

“This is truly a day when all Nevisians should be proud that we are being applauded by the United Stated Government for playing a leading role in the region in the green energy revolution,” he said.

Brantley said Nevis fully intends to become “the greenest place on earth” as it weans itself off fossil fuels for the generation of electricity.

NREI had signed a geothermal concession agreement with the NIA in September 2014 which initiated the phased process of financing, geological testing, drilling, and design and construction of a geothermal power generating station on the island. That facility is expected to generate up to 10MWe.

The Observer has learned that the NEVLEC/NREI power purchase agreement mandates a geothermal plant be operational by December 2017.

For more on this story go to: http://www.thestkittsnevisobserver.com/2015/11/27/nevis-signs-geothermal-power-purchase-agreement/