Partnerships for Assessment Drilling and Development of Geothermal Resources in St. Vincent and the Grenadines Presented by: Melissa A. De Freitas Energy.

Partnerships for Assessment Drilling and Development of Geothermal Resources in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Presented by: Melissa A. De FreitasEnergy UnitMinistry of National Security, Air and Sea Port DevelopmentSt. Vincent and the Grenadines

Introduction

• Population: 109, 373 (2013)

• Energy Profile:- Installed Capacity: 39 MW- Base Load: 12 MW- Peak Load: 21 MW

Year Institution Results

1991 Geothermica Italiana

Fumaroles appear to be linked to recent volcanic manifestations, rather than to a deep hydrothermal system. It is therefore recommended that no further geothermal exploratory work be made on the island of St. Vincent.

1996 Gerald W. Huttrer Geothermal potential is credible due to recent volcanism displayed by the La Soufriére volcano. Existence of a heat source is evidenced by fumaroles within the crater as well as by hot springs discovered in the Walibou River.

1996 GeothermEX Inc. Comprehensive geological and geochemical surveys support the theory that a geothermal resource is present on the Island of St. Vincent. Temperatures may range from 150-175 oC.

1998 Caribbean Power, St. Vincent Ltd.(Dames & Moore)

Geochemical sampling confirms a deep reservoir-derived fluid. Resisitivity data (CSAMT) reveal low resistivity areas on the southwest flank of the La Soufriére volcano which support the indications of an active geothermal system.

1999 G.E.A St. Vincent has the potential to support 112 MWe .

2011 GeothermEX Inc. GeothermEX supports the previous studies indicating a geothermal resource potential.

2012 NREL NREL is investigating a distributed system utilizing directional well drilling and small modular power generation units

2013 Reykjavík Geothermal &

Emera Inc.

ON GOING

History of Geothermal Development in St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Risk Details

Financial - High upfront cost- Challenging Terrain- Geo-hazards (slope instability, flash floods,

seismic events)- SVG has a small electric load demand of 21

MW

Regulatory - No independent regulator- Lack of a legal framework

Resource/ Exploratory

- Dry/Unproductive wells- Over-sizing of power plant due to over-estimation of

recource.

SVG Geothermal Challenges

The Government of SVG (GoSVG) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in January 2013 with Reykjavík Geothermal (RG) and Emera Caribbean Inc.

The signed Letter of Intent (LOI) sets the ownership structure for the proposed Geothermal Company as well as proposes an equity partnership between Emera, RG and GoSVG.

Technical support has been given by the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI), JICA and New Zealand.

Forming Partnerships

Stakeholder engagement will build broad support for the project and understanding of geothermal energy as well as to manage public expectations

Communication will be open and transparent for each phase of the project and as such all stakeholders will receive information via the most appropriate matters.

Stakeholder Engagement

Technical Results

Above: New and old craters of the La Soufriére volcano

Below: Fumarole on the dome inside the new crater.

Geochemistry:

Geochemical analysis of thermal manifestations have indicated the presence of a high enthalpy resource located at the base of the volcano.

A conservative estimate of temperature lies in the range of 200 – 300 oC, although it may in fact be higher.

Technical Results

Geophysics:

In October 2013, a team from RG assisted by local workers, have carried out geophysical surface explorations on the western and eastern flanks of the volcano.

Several Magnetotelluric (MT) and TEM surveys were carried out to determine the exact potential of the geothermal resource and the boundaries of its reservoir. This will assist in to identifying suitable area(s) for drilling and ultimately determine whether the project is feasible.

Early indications yielded positive results. However, there are some gaps in the data in areas that were inaccessible by foot.

Technical Results

Technical Results

The GoSVG is currently seeking financing to lower the project’s total cost.-ADFD: $15 Mil-JICA-Development Bank

Legal Framework- Geothermal Bill will be passed in Parliament in mid 2015

Next Steps for Development

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment- baseline study completed

Community Engagement- Emera/RG have already untaken meetings with residents in the north of SVG. Plans are being prepared for a third round meetings

Business Model- will be presented at the end of June 2015.

Next Steps for Development

Test Wells- RG/Emera are presently finalizing the assessment of the drill site.-Drill plan and conceptual well design has been prepared-Request for Proposals document is being prepared to issue to suitable qualified drilling contractors.

Construction of a 10-15 MW geothermal plant

Next Steps for Development