Five bid for St Kitts geothermal project

The St Kitts-Nevis government says it has received five bids from internationally recognised firms for the production drilling phase for the twin-island Federation’s geothermal power project.

Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew, in a nationwide radio and television broadcast, said that there had been an official opening of the bids and that a total of five bids from internationally recognised firms were received for the initiative on Nevis, a cornerstone of the Federation’s Sustainable Island State Agenda.

He said this marks a significant step towards energy sovereignty, resilience, and a cleaner future for an Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States member state, and that drilling to produce geothermal energy to drive an electric turbine at Hamilton Estate is expected to begin in early 2026, following the awarding of the contract to the successful bidder.

“I am also thrilled to report that the partnership between the Federal Government and the Nevis Island Administration to finally bring our geothermal energy potential to life is bearing fruit,” said Drew.

“With deep-earth thermal reservoirs already identified, the international bidding process for drilling of production wells progressed, such that bids were opened a few days ago and five internationally recognised firms have submitted proposals.”

Prime Minister Drew added that with US$37 million already secured through the Caribbean Development Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank and the Saudi Fund for Development, “we expect drilling to commence in early 2026”.

He said that a 30-megawatt geothermal plant, once operational, is expected to provide baseload renewable energy for both Nevis and St Kitts, delivering cleaner, more affordable electricity and advancing the Federation’s goal of true energy independence.

“Once operational, this geothermal plant could provide baseload renewable energy for Nevis and St Kitts. It means cleaner energy, cheaper electricity, and true energy sovereignty for future generations,” the PM noted.

In a statement, the OECS Commission said the geothermal project was a flagship for the OECS GEOBUILD Programme, which aims to unlock geothermal potential across five participating OECS member states, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and foster sustainable economic growth.

“St Kitts and Nevis will become the third OECS member state and the second in Caricom to develop a geothermal power plant, following Dominica’s planned inauguration of a 10-megawatt plant in the Roseau Valley at Christmas 2025,” the commission noted.

The French island of Guadeloupe has been producing about five per cent of its electricity from geothermal sources since 1986, the commission said.

CMC