By S.Browne. Updated 2:25 p.m., Wednesday, May 6, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
The newly elected New Democratic Party (NDP) administration has signaled interest in geothermal energy having participated in a geothermal study in Spain.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) participated in a geothermal energy study visit focused on energy security and cost reduction, held in Portugal and Spain from April 14–22, 2026.
A May 6 press release from the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environmental Health, and Energy said the high-level delegation included Minister of Health, Wellness, Environmental Health and Energy Daniel Cummings, and Energy Unit Director Lance Peters.
The mission, supported by the European Union under its Global Gateway programme and implemented by FIAP, brought together OECS member states and regional energy institutions to advance geothermal development, energy security and climate resilience across the Caribbean, the ministry said.
Delegates engaged in technical exchanges and site visits in the Azores and Gran Canaria, examining geothermal operations and frameworks for financing, regulation, and grid integration in small island systems. The programme included high-level meetings with Portuguese energy authorities and participation in the Global Sustainable Islands Summit and Geothermal Forum, the press release stated.
According to the press release, key takeaways highlighted geothermal energy as a viable, reliable solution for reducing electricity costs and strengthening resilience, with early investment, risk mitigation, and strong regulatory frameworks identified as critical to success.
The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines says it remains committed to advancing renewable energy development and exploring geothermal opportunities as part of its broader strategy to achieve energy security, affordability, and environmental sustainability, the release stated.
Geothermal exploration under the previous government
In 2019, under a project, the Ralph Gonsalves-led Unity Labour Party (ULP), government, started exploratory drilling for geothermal energy at Bamboo Range, La Soufriere.
The exploration which came after a research phase, was spearheaded by the St Vincent Geothermal Company Limited, which was owned by the Icelandic company Reykjavik Geothermal and the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines.
The plan was to develop a 10–15 megawatt geothermal power plant on the slopes of the La Soufrière volcano, aimed at reducing reliance on imported diesel. The project has faced technical challenges regarding permeability.
The exploratory drilling for geothermal energy at La Soufriere was being funded by a contingent grant which will only have to be repaid if the project is a success. Ellsworth Dacon, the director of the Energy Unit (now former director), told SEARCHLIGHT newspaper in August 2019.
Though the requisite heat for geothermal energy production was found, the project was unsuccessful due to the permeability issue, but the previous government was hopeful of using alternative approaches to harness energy.
In August 2020, the State-Owned National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) reported that Mr. Dacon said one of the options being looked at is a closed loop system and discussions are being held in this regard.
In 2026, however, Dr. Godwin Friday-led NDP government signaled its intention to secure the drilled area rather than pursuing more geothermal exploration; the Vincentian Newspaper reported on Dr Friday’s statements on the issue during his 2026 Budget Address.
END
One News SVG 