In September 2014, the Governments of Grenada and New Zealand signed a Geothermal Support Partnership Framework, aimed at facilitating the exploration and eventual use of geothermal energy, leading to a reduction in Grenada’s carbon footprint and ultimately lower electricity prices.
In this regard, it was agreed that several activities, including the following will be conducted:
- the review of existing studies and the undertaking of additional studies as necessary;
- geophysics survey of potential geothermal sites;
- analysis of the scientific data;
- the completion of a stored heat assessment and quantification of power generation potential
To this end, the firm, Jacobs New Zealand Limited was contracted by the Government of New Zealand to undertake the required studies and technical analyses. The firm estimated that the initial phase of the assignment will cover a 30 week period, commencing with desktop reviews, technical and logistical planning, which they started in December 2014, and concluding with the submission of the technical reports and a presentation of the way forward, in June 2015.
In this regard, a team of scientists from New Zealand and Australia will be conducting technical and geoscience analyses in February and March 2015. This will occur at sites closer to the center and northern parts of Grenada, in the general vicinity of Mt St Catherine, where a number of potential geothermal sites will be investigated. The study seeks to define where the geothermal resource is located and identify possible sites for subsequent exploration efforts.
The Government of Grenada is committed in its efforts to enabling the provision of more sustainable energy to the citizens of Grenada, and a reduction in the reliance of imported fossil fuel. To this end, the Government of Grenada is hereby soliciting the collaboration and assistance of the requested Government Ministries/Departments, Land owners within the field research areas and the general public to guarantee the smooth implementation and the successful completion of the above-mentioned field work.
The Government of Grenada is happy to collaborate with the Government of New Zealand in this initiative and extends its gratitude for the assistance and commitment given to this process.
