The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission is pleased to announce the addition of Milan-based firm ELC Electroconsult S.p.A. as geothermal energy engineering and technical advisor to the OECS Commission. This collaboration is set to help guide geothermal energy development across the five participating Member States of the OECS Geothermal Energy Capacity Building for Utilisation, Investment and Local Development (OECS GEOBUILD) Programme.

This advisory is particularly timely as Dominica races to become the first geothermal power producer in the independent OECS and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) by as early as late 2025 – an important initial milestone in the OECS Decade of Action for Sustainable Energy Development.

St Kitts and Nevis has emerged as the first OECS Member State to seek these specialised engineering and technical services for the Nevis Electricity Company Limited (NEVLEC) as it prepares for production drilling in 2026. Tapping into the heat below the island’s surface, St. Kitts and Nevis hopes to produce a 30 MW geothermal power plant in Hamilton Estate, Nevis. The OECS Commission’s partnership with ELC Electroconsult S.p.A. will provide essential support, ensuring that the twin-island federation’s geothermal potential, which, if proved successful, could be shared by interconnecting the two islands with the appropriate submarine cables.

Established in 1955, ELC Electroconsult S.p.A. is a renowned Italian engineering firm with extensive experience in the study, design, and management of hydropower and geothermal projects worldwide. The firm has been instrumental in numerous significant projects, including geothermal power generation initiatives in Italy and beyond. Their expertise will be invaluable as the OECS seeks to harness its geothermal potential for sustainable energy solutions.

The peak of the Island Nevis testament to the Island’s volcanic origins

Dr Ernie Stapleton, GEOBUILD Project Manager, remarked: 

“Bringing ELC Electroconsult on board represents a major milestone for our programme. Their wealth of experience in geothermal energy will empower us to tackle the unique challenges that small island developing states face in developing this vital resource. We are particularly excited about the prospects for Member States, including St Kitts and Nevis, where local stakeholders will benefit directly from their expertise. This aligns perfectly with our goal of fostering regional integration and self-sufficiency in renewable energy.”

Riccardo Balsotti, Senior Project Manager at ELC Electroconsult S.p.A, said:

“ELC is excited to participate in this project and is eager to leverage its extensive experience and expertise in geothermal projects worldwide to support OECS countries in their initiatives. We are committed to addressing any needs that may arise in the development of geothermal energy.”

The OECS GEOBUILD Programme, supported by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the European Union Caribbean Investment Facility and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), ​ has been steadily advancing its capacity-building initiatives, building a team of international economic, social, legal and regulatory advisors. The addition of ELC Electroconsult is part of the OECS Commission’s mandate to equip Member States with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the complex web of requirements for developing geothermal energy effectively and efficiently.

Italy’s rich history in geothermal energy development offers an inspiring model for the OECS. It is home to the Lardarello power plant, the world’s first commercial geothermal plant, which has been operating continuously since 1904, demonstrating the potential of geothermal energy as a safe, clean and sustainable resource. This depth of expertise has paved the way for innovative practices and technologies that can be adapted for use in the OECS. By leveraging Electroconsult’s expertise, the OECS aims to replicate this success and foster a thriving geothermal sector that can contribute significantly to the region’s energy needs.

The OECS Commission looks forward to a fruitful collaboration with ELC Electroconsult S.p.A. as it continues to support St. Kitts and Nevis and other Member States in realising their geothermal energy ambitions.

About OECS GEOBUILD:

The OECS Geothermal Energy Capacity Building for Utilisation, Investment and Local Development (OECS GEOBUILD) ​ is a programme of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Commission aimed at unlocking the geothermal energy potential in five OECS Member States. The programme works to bring economic and environmental benefits beyond electric power generation, contributing to the sustainable development of the region. It is supported by the Caribbean Development Bank, the European Union Caribbean Investment Facility and the Inter-American Development Bank.

Visit OECS GEOBUILD at oecs.int/geobuild

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