Feasibility of interconnectivity of geothermal energy from Nevis to other islands in the Caribbean region

Abstract

This research paper examines the feasibility of submarine interconnection for electricity utilisation based on geothermal energy in the Caribbean region. The Caribbean potential for geothermal is extensive as several islands in the region are volcanic with visible high-temperature manifestations. The Eastern Caribbean geothermal potential is estimated at 850 MWe. Several islands in the Lesser Antilles are presently pursuing geothermal energy for electricity generation, such as Nevis, St. Lucia, Dominica, Montserrat and St. Vincent. However, to date Guadeloupe is the only island in the region with an installed capacity of geothermal energy, 15 MW in all. The island of Nevis is actively pursuing geothermal energy with its latest exploration well drilled in March 2018. The geothermal resource on the island is deemed commercially viable with the reservoir capacity estimated at 100-400 MW. The island of Nevis intends to develop a 10 MW geothermal plant, which will cover the island’s peak load, thus making the electricity production in Nevis 100% renewable.

Additionally, there is a great possibility that the electricity market in Puerto Rico will be encouraged to include different renewable energy sources after hurricane Maria destroyed most of the infrastructure on the island. Interconnectivity of geothermal energy has been discussed for several decades in the Caribbean, but is yet to be manifested. There are, however, several regions in the world that have successfully interconnected electricity through submarine cables, such as Great Britain and Norway. The financial model used in this research determines at what cost the island of Nevis must produce geothermal energy to have a financially viable submarine interconnection project.