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In April 2023, the GEOBUILD Programme conducted a Geothermal Energy Drilling and Development Study
Tour to the Commonwealth of Dominica collaborating with the government and the Dominica Geothermal
Development Company Limited (DGDC). The study tour achieved several objectives including sharing lessons
learned by the Dominica Drilling Team concerning the implementation of the geothermal exploration and
drilling phase in the development of geothermal energy; promoting a better understanding on how to deliver
a drilling programme in the Eastern Caribbean, including management of costs, contract, activities, civil works
requirements, public awareness and information, and safety and environmental safeguards. The study was
also useful in fostering regional cooperation and collaboration within the OECS region for geothermal energy
amongst the participants who have continued to engage and support each other in their national geothermal
energy efforts.

The GEOBUILD’s support is not limited to the technical level, but the programme also supports the ministers
of energy in the beneficiary countries. In April 2023, it supported the hosting of the 2nd Council of Ministers
of Energy meeting and the ministers’ attendance at the Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF) activity to
build their capacity in the energy space and expose them to new developments. GEOBUILD has also partnered
with the Energy Transition in the Eastern Caribbean (ETC) Project under the Interreg European Union Territorial
Cooperation in hosting two webinars, the first titled "Innovating for enhanced characterisation and exploitation
of geothermal energy in the Caribbean", which took place on 2nd June 2023, with the aim to provide valuable
insights and information on possible innovations that can support the development of geothermal energy
in volcanic island contexts. The second webinar was held on 19th October 2023 and focused on three core
pillars enhancing energy efficiency in buildings, promoting clean energy in transportation, and developing
geothermal resources regionally.
CONCLUSION
The OECS GEOBUILD Programme represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and secure
energy future for the Eastern Caribbean. By building capacity, attracting investments, and focusing on local
development, the initiative paves the way for the region to harness its vast geothermal energy potential
effectively. As the world transitions towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, the GEOBUILD
Programme exemplifies the OECS Commission's commitment to a greener, economically vibrant, and self-
reliant future. It will continue to work with stakeholders and partners such the Caribbean Electric Utility
Services Corporation (CARILEC), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the European Union Caribbean
Investment Facility (EU-CIF), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to build capacity, bring solutions
and encourage regional cooperation on the dynamic energy space of the Eastern Caribbean. Our stakeholders
such as Member States, CARILEC and Utilities are encouraged to collaborate with GEOBUILD to build capacity
within their organisations as major contributors and participants in geothermal energy development in the
OECS region.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Ernie Stapleton was previously employed as Permanent Secretary within the Nevis
Island Administration (NIA) in the Ministry of Communications, Public Utilities, Posts,
Physical Planning and Environment, and Labour, 2004 to February 2023. He has been
working as the Coordinator/Advisor for the development of geothermal energy on the
island of Nevis since 2004 until he ended his public service tenure officially in February
2023. He currently resides in Saint Lucia but is a citizen of the Federation of St. Christopher
(St. Kitts) and Nevis and is the Project Manager for the OECS Geothermal Energy: For
Building Capacity, for Utilization, Investment, and Local Development (GEOBUILD) Programme at the OECS
Commission since November 2022. He is academically trained in the areas of Economics and Accounts,
Financial Economics, and Divinity Studies. Ernie has been exposed to other training activities in geothermal
energy development and sustainable energy over the years while working in the public service.

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