St. Lucia geothermal

Lucia (GOSL) exploit the geothermal resources of the Qualibou Caldera - a cauldron-like cavity formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago - for generating electric power which can be developed by the private sector. The project, jointly funded by A.I.D. and the UN Revolving Fund for Natural Resources Exploration (UNRFNRE), will be managed by UNRFNRE and implemented mainly by contractors. The project will finance exploration up until the point of production and exploitation, when investments from the international private sector will be solicited for construction of a geothermal power plant. Production-sized exploratory geothermal wells (at least 2.5mw) will be drilled at each of three sites on the Caldera: Belfond, Sulphur Springs, and Etangs. As drilling takes place, the quality of the effluent and the environmental effects of this geothermal activity will be continuously monitored and analyzed; problems will be mitigated as required and a postproject environmental protection plan will be developed (which will include guidelines for future geothermal field development). Also, several of the seven existing geothermal wells (drilled in 1975-77) will be capped or repaired, and to allow transportation of equipment, Soufriere harbor and roads leading to drilling sites will be improved. Up to six St. Lucian geothermal resource administration personnel will be trained in well field maintenance, drilling planning, and utility management. TA will be provided to help the GOSL develop guidelines for soliciting private sector investment in the Caldera; the guidelines will address the technical, institutional, and financial relationships between potential investors, the GOSL, and St. Lucia Electricity Services Ltd. (LUCELEC); the latter will purchase and distribute electricity generated by the privately owned and managed power plant. A.I.D. will finance project drilling activities, civil works construction, the environmental monitoring and safety plan, training, and TA.