The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission has opened bids for the production drilling phase of the St. Kitts and Nevis geothermal power project. The initiative, located in Nevis, is a key component of the federation’s Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA).
An OECS release issued on July 9, said that five internationally recognised firms submitted bids. These include Iceland Drilling Company (Iceland), Marriott Drilling and Consortium Drilling (United Kingdom), and Ormat Technologies Inc. and IPS-USA (United States). Production drilling at Hamilton Estate is expected to begin in early 2026, once a contract is awarded, the release noted.
Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has reportedly confirmed the development in a national address.
“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,” he stated. “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.”
A 30-megawatt geothermal plant will provide baseload renewable energy for both Nevis and St. Kitts. “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,” Dr. Drew added.
St. Kitts and Nevis will be the third OECS Member State and the second in CARICOM to pursue geothermal energy. Dominica’s 10-megawatt plant is set to launch in Roseau Valley by Christmas 2025. Guadeloupe has used geothermal energy since 1986, supplying around 5% of its electricity.
According to a note from the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago, the rise in geothermal projects across the region creates “new opportunities for energy service companies in Trinidad and Tobago”.
The Energy Chamber posited that firms with oil and gas drilling experience have the skills and equipment needed to support these projects. Utilizing regional resources under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) framework could help reduce costs and improve project timelines.
