Saint Lucia's Geothermal Exploration History

The RESDP 2022- 2026 is not Saint Lucia’s first attempt at exploring its geothermal resources. It is well-established knowledge that the Sulphur Springs has geothermal potential. Studies and surveys began since 1951 via reconnaissance investigations sponsored by the United Nations. Drilling was attempted in the 1970s and 1980s. These were mostly unsuccessful but informative. The Sulphur Springs location is now part of the Piton Management Area (PMA) a UNESCO- designated World Heritage Site, in which drilling is forbidden.

From 2014 to 2016, the World Bank under the Geothermal Resource Development Project (GRDP, P149959) and the Government of New Zealand, aided Saint Lucia’s Government in a new surface exploration campaign which revealed the existence of a geothermal reservoir outside of the PMA area. A pre-feasibility study was prepared under the GRDP for exploration drilling in these newly identified areas.

The next step to explore this potential resource is to undertake exploration drilling activities to confirm the resource's existence and quality.

Click here for more information on Saint Lucia’s History of Geothermal Exploration

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1951

Geothermal's Early Days

Geothermal investigations begin in Saint Lucia.

1974-76

First Wells Drilled

7 shallow wells are drilled at Sulphur Springs by the UK Ministry of Overseas Development.

1986-87

Second Drilling Attempt

One production-sized well drilled at Belfond and the other at Sulphur Springs. Drilling was funded by the United Nations Revolving Fund for Natural Resource Exploration, the United States Agency for International Development and the Government of Saint Lucia.

1994

Legal Framework Developed

The Electricity Supply Act enables the electricity utility, LUCELEC, to create voluntary financial incentives to fund renewable energy resource development.

1999

Making Green Energy Cheaper

The Government of Saint Lucia waives import duties and consumption taxes on renewable energy equipment.

2001

Changing the Game

Cabinet endorses a Sustainable Energy Plan which aims for 35% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2010.

2004

Lightening the Load

An energy-efficient lighting programme reduces island's electricity load.

2005

Upping the Game

A Sustainable Energy Plan is implemented and a green paper on the National Energy Policy (NEP) is drafted, outlining provisions to increase the use of renewable energy technologies to offset the amount of fuel the country imports to meet its energy needs.

2010

A New National Energy Policy

Facing challenges of volatile oil prices and the uncertainty of supplies, the Government approves a new National Energy Policy aiming to bolster energy security and improve Saint Lucia's economic competitiveness.

2012

Setting Targets

Saint Lucia agrees to increase its renewable energy penetration target by 20% by 2020.

2014

Raising the Bar

Prime Minister of Saint Lucia calls for a further increase in the national renewable energy penetration targets from 20% to 35% by 2020. Cabinet approves incentives on the importation of electric and hybrid vehicles by reducing import duties to 10% for five years.

2015

Paris Agreement

Under the Paris Agreement, Saint Lucia sets its National Determined Contributions (NDCS) targets for reducing greenhouse emissions at 16% by 2025, and 23% by 2030.

2016

Potential Geothermal Sites Discovered

A geoscientific study finds three areas outside of the Sulphur Springs with potential for further geothermal exploration: Fond St. Jacques, Belle Plaine and Saltibus.

2016

A New Regulatory Framework

The Electricity Supply Act is amended, unbundling electricity generation, allowing renewable electricity generation from individuals other than LUCELEC. The National Water Commission now becomes the National Utilities Regulatory Commission (NURC), allowing the NURC to regulate the water and sewerage and electricity sector. The NURC now becomes the regulator of electricity generated from renewable energy sources.

2017

Developing a National Energy Transition Strategy (NETS)

National Energy Transition Strategy (NETS) outlines future energy mix of new electricity generation.

2018

The National Energy Transition Strategy (NETS)

Cabinet endorses the NETS and outlines a future energy mix of new electricity generation of solar, wind diesel, battery storage and geothermal if the resource could be secured at a viable rate.

2018

ESIA Released and Solar Farm Operationalised

A study from the Geothermal Resource Development Project (GRDP) which assessed the environment and social impact of future geothermal development at three potential sites is released ahead of public consultations. LUCELEC makes operational the island's first utility scale solar farm at La-Tourney in Vieux-Fort. 3MW of renewable energy now feeds the national electric grid.

2019

Transforming the Transport Sector

A fleet transition strategy is completed on behalf of the Government which recommended transitioning 131 Government owned vehicles to electric vehicles. Cabinet extends the incentives of imported electric and hybrid vehicles for a further five years. Import duties are further reduced to 5%.

2020

Incentives to Promote the Use of Renewable Energy Technologies

Cabinet approves 100% waiver of import duties on equipment and components designed for harnessing and the operation of new renewable sources of energy.

2021

Saint Lucia Publishes its First Biennial Update Report

Saint Lucia publishes its first biennial update report on climate change mitigation actions. The NDCs are updated pledging a reduction in greenhouse by 7% relative to 2010 emissions in the energy sector.

2022

The Renewable Energy Sector Development Project

Parliament approves the Renewable Energy Sector Development Project. A Project Implementation Unit is created within the Energy and Public Utilities Division of the Department of Infrastructure, Ports and Transport to execute the project. The project is officially launched in November.

2023

An Updated National Energy Policy and VAT Removal

The National Energy Policy is updated and approved by Cabinet. The updated version takes a cross-sectoral approach in Saint Lucia's pursuit of energy independence. Government approves the waiver of VAT on all components designed for harnessing energy from solar photovoltaic sources.

Saint Lucia's History of Geothermal Exploration

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