Cartwright Farrell, General Manager Nevis Electricity Company Photo by Seeta T. Shaw Roath

Nevis is tapping into its abundant source of geothermal energy. Premier Hon. Joseph Parry indicated that systems are already being put into place to develop at least one plant capable of producing 3 megawatts that should be completed by September of 2008.

Currently, electric power is provided by Nevis Electricity Company (NEVLEC), the sole supplier of electricity on the island. General Manager Cartwright Farrell notes,

“The good thing about geothermal energy is that it is fuel-free power generation, which will take off the surcharge for the people on Nevis. NEVLEC will purchase power from the supplier of the geothermal energy. How much of the surcharge will be eliminated will depend on how much they can supply us, on what percentage of our total consumption will be geothermal energy.”

Expanding power generation capacity
NEVLEC is also expanding its generating capacity through an expansion program that includes the addition of several generators. Current capacity of 13 megawatts meets the needs of the island, but the objective of the company is to meet the anticipated needs of a growing client base. While the island continues to attract investment in real estate, interest has been expressed recently in the manufacturing sector, which is currently non-existent.

NEVLEC plans to increase its 13 megawatts power generation capacity to meet anticipated demands. Photo by Seeta T. Shaw Roath

Access to geothermal energy was located on the island of Nevis at Bush Hill fault where exploration work for geothermal energy had been ongoing. Other locations include the Spring Hill fault, the Jessup fault, the Hamilton Estate fault, and the Sulpher Gault fault.

Rawlinson Isaac, Chairman and CEO of Isaac’s Financial and Management Consulting Services Incorporated, who has been coordinating this project, noted that this is a major step for Nevis. “It is a challenge that we faced that is finally bearing fruit,” said Isaac.

West Indies Power Nevis Limited develops geothermal plants
In February 2007, the West Indies Power Nevis Limited was issued a license to conduct an 18-month geothermal exploration project. Isaac explained
that the exploration project was ahead of schedule and would deliver results earlier than expected. “We have discovered geothermal resources in five places on the island. Based on drill results so far, we believe that by mid-2008, the initial power plant will be installed and be in operation.”

Photo by Seeta T. Shaw Roath

Isaac said that Nevis intends to use the most advanced technology available to bring renewable energy to its people. He explained that both electrical and seismic tools will be used to locate the depth to which drill rigs can be installed in the geothermal production wells. “The most recent geophysical techniques are being used,” said Isaac.

The first well is expected to produce between 3 and 6 megawatts. This plant should be in operation at least by September 2008. The larger plant, targeted to create power for export, is intended to produce approximately 50 megawatts. The plan is to devote 10 to 12 megawatts to Nevis and export the remaining energy. Expectations are that the larger plant will be completed by 2009.