Renewable Energy

Q1 I What is renewable energy?

Renewable energy is energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed. Geothermal, sunlight and wind, for example, are such sources that are constantly being replenished.

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Q2 I Why is renewable energy important?

Renewable energy technologies are clean sources of energy that have a much lower environmental impact than conventional energy technologies. The sourcesof renewable energy are infinite.

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Q3 I What are the various forms of renewable energy?

Some forms of renewable energy include: Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Biomass, Ocean Thermal, Tidal and Wave Energy, Hydroelectric Energy, Geothermal Energy.

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Q4 I Why should the country pursue renewable energy development?

St. Lucia should pursue renewable energy for a multitude of reasons:

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Environmental Benefits

• Renewable energy produces little to no greenhouse gas emissions during energy generation. This helps combat climate change and reduces a country's carbon footprint.

• Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy sources do not release harmful pollutants into the air and water, leading to improved air quality and public health.

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Economic Benefit

• The renewable energy sector could be a significant source of employment, offering jobs in manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and research and development. Investing in renewables can stimulate economic growth and reduce unemployment.

• It can enhance St.Lucia's energy security by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, which are subject to price volatility and geopolitical risks.

• Pursuing renewable energy encourages innovation and the development of advanced technologies, which can lead to new industries, export opportunities, and economic competitiveness on a global scale.

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Long Term Sustainability

• Renewable energy sources are sustainable over the long term, ensuring that future generations of St. Lucians have access to the energy they need.

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Q5 I Are there disadvantages to the use of renewable energy?

Although renewable energy remains an important part of the global effort to reduce greenhouse gases, there are a number of disadvantages associated with its use:

Q6 I What is St. Lucia's electricity generation by energy source?

Non Renewable sources
Fossil fuels 95 %

Renewable sources
Solar energy 5% (generated capacity as of October 2023)

Q7 I Which forms of renewable energy development is the island pursuing?

Government of Saint Lucia (GOSL) is pursuing a mix of diesel, solar, wind, geothermal energy and battery storage to provide our energy needs in a cost effective, secure and reliable manner. In keeping with national targets and the Paris Climate Agreement, Saint Lucia is hoping to have 35% of its electricity derived from renewable sources by 2025 and 50% by 2030.

Q8 I Could solar energy meet our peak demand?

Pursuing solar alone to meet the energy targets is technically and economically challenging.

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Q9 I How is the GOSL attempting to scale up investments in the renewable energy sector?

By strengthening the legislative and regulatoryframework for renewable energy integration, advisory services and marketsounding related to future commercial development of geothermal resources andcapacity building of key stakeholders on topicsassociated with geothermal andrenewable energy development.

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Geothermal Energy Development

Q10 I What is geothermal energy?

The Earth is constantly generating naturally occurring energy in the form of heat. This heat is known as geothermal heat and can be used to produce electricity. Geothermal heat comes from the slow decay of radioactive elements deep within the Earth. It can also be produced by hot magma heating up rocks and underground aquivers. The heat is transferred or conducted towards the surface and in the case of Saint Lucia is expected to comprise a reservoir of hot geothermal fluids.
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Q11 I How is electricity produced from geothermal energy?

Several wells are drilled hundreds of meters into the Earth's geothermal reservoir. Successful wells produce hot water and steam, which are brought to the surface to be passed through a turbine. The hot fluids are used to turn the turbine, which is coupled to a generator to produce electricity. The geothermal fluids are returned to the ground via re-injection wells.

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Q12 I Besides geothermal, are there any forms of energy with less impact on the environment and people?

All forms of renewable energy have environmental impacts. What is important is how those impacts are managed and controlled.

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Q13 I What advantages does geothermal energy hold over the other sources of energy?

When compared to other renewables, geothermal is a reliable and constant form of energy because it does not depend on environmental conditions to produce energy. It also has a small land footprint and low impact on the environment releasing little to no emissions.

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Q14 I What does geothermal exploration involve?

Geothermal exploration is a systematic process that involves various stages to assess the feasibility of harnessing geothermal energy resources.

Throughout each stage of the geothermal exploration process, data is continually collected and analyzed to refine understanding and make informed decisions regarding the development and operation of the geothermal resource. Successful geothermal projects can provide sustainable, renewable energy for many years, making this exploration process essential for harnessing this valuable energy source.

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Q15 I What are the key activities in the geothermal drilling program which will take place in Saint Lucia?

1} Site Development

This stage involves improving roads, bridges and culverts, clearing vegetation and grading work areas to create access to drilling areas.

(30-90 day period)

2} Drilling and Well Testing

During this stage, slim-diameter exploratory wells will be drilled. Drilling will be followed by well testing to measure temperature gradient in the well. (30-90 day period)

3} Potential or No Potential?

Wells with no commercial potential would be plugged with cement and the well pad would be fully restored. Wells with commercial potential would be secured for future testing and monitored.

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Past Geothermal Developments

Q16 I Is this the first attempt at geothermal drilling in Saint Lucia?

No. Between 1975 and 1976, geothermal resource investigations took place in the Sulphur Springs area and 7 exploratory wells were drilled. In 1987 and 1988 two production-size geothermal wells were drilled in Belfond and Sulphur Springs, respectively. Between 2015 and 2016, a geoscientific study (Jacobs New Zealand Limited 2016) to evaluate other nearby areas with geothermal resource development potential found three areas southeast of Sulphur Springs to hold potential. These areas are the focus of this project.

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Q17 I What was the outcome of the exploratory drilling initiatives of the 1970s and 1980s?

Driven by an explosion in the demand for electricity brought on by hotel development and the escalating price of diesel brought on by the oil crises of 1973-74 when Arab members of OPEC quadrupled oil prices, interest in geothermal energy exploration regained prominence in the early 1970s. Between 1975and 1976, the UK Ministry of Overseas Development funded the drilling of 7shallow exploratory wells at Sulphur Springs. Geothermal steam was found in 4of the 7 slim-diameter geothermal wells drilled.

Based on the results of extensive geoscientific surveys conducted by Aquater S.p.A ofItaly in 1982 and Los Almos National Laboratory of New Mexico between 1983 and 1984, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Nations Revolving Fund for Natural Resources Exploration (UNRFNRE) and funded the drilling of two production-size geothermal wells in 1987 and 1988 in Belfond and Sulphur Springs, respectively.The first well was unsuccessful, while the other suffered mechanical failure and could not be refurbished.

Q18 I What are some of the experiences and lessons learnt from the past geothermal drilling programmes?

Past experiences: (i) USAID funded the drilling and hired its own Drilling Consultant,

(ii) The first round of bids for drilling services and civil works were higher than the allocated, and(iii) There were many disputes between the EMC, the Drilling Contractor and the GOSL because the EMC's contact was with UNRFNRE. The EMC is responsible for site selection, developing the drilling programme, supervising the civil and drilling programmes and reporting to the client. Lessons learnt (i) The EMC should have been involved in the preparation of the specs, (ii) A market survey should have been carried out, (iii) The EMC contract should have been with GOSL as Executing Agency and not the UNRFNRE, (iv): The EMC should have been involved in rig mobilization.

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Present Geothermal Development Technical

Q19 I What is the RESDP?

The Saint Lucia Renewable Energy Sector Development Project (RESDP) is a Government of Saint Lucia initiative aimed at informing the government on the viability of its geothermal resource for power generation and strengthening the enabling environment to scale-up clean energy investments with the private sector.

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Q20 I Why is the project being considered again when previous attempts were unsuccessful?

The Government of Saint Lucia sees developing the country's geothermal resources as a key strategy to meet its sustainable energy targets. Investments in renewable energy will help address the problem of the high energy import bill and large sums of money leaving the country. The government has obtained financial assistance and support from a number of development partners to advance its efforts and also has access to leading geothermal experts from New Zealand. Understanding of geothermal resources has improved since the previous work was completed and exploration techniques used to discover them have also improved. The previous work identified that a geothermal resource does exist and so the new efforts are focused on identifying one which can be commercially developed.

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Q21 I Who are the sponsors of the RESDP?

The project is funded as follows:
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Q22 I What are the components of the project?

The project consists of two major components:

Q23 I Where will the drilling activities be located?

Geothermal exploration is expected to take place in Saltibus, Fond St. Jacques and Belle Plaine. Drilling depth will not exceed 2000 metres.

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Q24 I Why drill if there is no proof of a resource?

There are no surface manifestations at the proposed drilling sites. However, geoscientific studies indicate the presence of a resource and drilling will confirm this.

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Q25 I Why is Saltibus one of the proposed drilling areas?

The geoscientific studies of 2016 - 2017 point to a 1000-2000 meter thick low electrical resistivity layer below a higher conductor (clay cap).The low electrical resistivity (resistivity anomaly) pattern suggests the existence of a geothermal reservoir. However, there are no surface manifestations.

Q26 I When will the civil works and drilling start?

Contracts are to be signed in 2024 and works are to begin by 2025.

Q27 I How long is the project expected to last?

The project is expected to last another three (3) years.

Q28 I What are the precautionary measures in place for the drilling?

These are outlined in the project's Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP): the mitigation management measures established to avoid, reduce, and minimize risks and impacts of the project. The ESMP will be published on the GOSL's and RESDP's websites (www.sluresdp.com) after revision and update of the current Environmental and Social Impact Assessment.

Q29 I Why is the drilling happening away from the Sulphur Springs area?

Geo-scientific studies suggest that geothermal resources also exist away from the Sulphur Springs area. These are worth exploring. Also, Sulphur Springs is within the Piton Management Area(PMA), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where drilling is prohibited.

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Q30 I How wide is the PMA Buffer Zone?

The Buffer Zone is not consistent in width. There are major variations. On average, the buffers are as follows: (i) the Southeastern section is approximately 500 meters (about 1640.42 ft) in width (ii) the Eastern section is approximately 900 meters (about 2952.76 ft) in width and (iii) the North eastern section is approximately 1,200 meters (about 3937.01 ft) in width.

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Q31 I Can a developer come in and increase the cost of electricity if the project is successful?

The National Utilities Regulatory Commission(NURC) determines the cost of electricity based on all project details including costs. A developer cannot determine the cost of electricity.

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Q32 I What amount of steam is needed to generate electricity to construct a power plant?

The amount of steam and liquid depends on the mass flow rate in kg/sand the amount of energy/heat measured in kJ/kg contained in the steam and liquid. In using steam for power generation, you must consider the condenser, turbine, and generator's efficiency. For St. Lucia Well No.2, drilled in 1988, the heat flow rate (flowing enthalpy) was 2,900 kJ/kg and the mass flow rate was 9.2 kg/s (initially). Based on the data above and efficiencies, the electrical output of the well was 3 MW.

Q33 I Will the price of electricity decrease if the project is successful?

This project is not for drilling production wells. This can only be determined when a geothermal production plant is planned.

Q34 I What is the size and depth of the well?

The slim-well will be at least 7 inches in diameter and drilled to approximately 2000 meters (about 1.24 mi) deep, or 6561 feet (about 2km).

Q35 I What are the plans for road access into the drilling area of Belvedere, Fond St. Jacques?

We are presently looking at the options available to us. One option is to widen the existing narrow access road into Belvedere and the proposed drilling area. While the other option is to build a temporary access road that bisects Crown Lands and two private properties from the Fond St. Jacques Road into the proposed drilling area. The residents of the area have indicated their preference for the former and have agreed to give up the required 5 feet of land required to widen the existing access road to facilitate the semi-trailer trucks transporting the drilling equipment and related components.

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Q36 I How do we avoid the likelihood of the closed-off wells reopening 20 years later?

Geothermal drilling is one of the oldest renewable energy technologies. We have looked at how frequent these issues have occurred; blowouts are rare occurrences. What happened 30 years ago is not indicative of what to expect now as drilling technology and equipment has advanced and there will be a more experienced drilling team. There will be plans to address these issues. The abandoned wells will be closed off and capped with cement to prevent blowouts after abandonment. The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment complies with the World Bank's Environmental and Social Policy for Investment Project Financing and Environmental and Social Standards (ESS). As such, it outlines a comprehensive set of guidelines to safeguard human, community and environmental interests.

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Q37 I If the exploration is not successful, what will become of the well?

The well may be kept for information gathering purposes or it may be decommissioned.Decommissioning or well abandonment involves restoring the site to its previous condition. The well head will be capped, topsoil set aside during site preparation will be spread back over the site and the area re-vegetated.

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Q38 I What would be a good project outcome?

Finding steam of the right characteristics to facilitate the transition to geothermal power generation.

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Q39 I will the geothermal exploration project affect water resources?

The project sites will require a temporary water supply during drilling operations. The use and disposal of water is an important part of the Environmental and Social Management Plan whose provisions will be implemented during the project. Thus, any water supply impacts during drilling would be temporary.

Guidelines are in place to ensure that the water supply is not disrupted for domestic and agricultural users and that the existing water uses in the area are maintained during project extraction of water. The water quality monitoring program would ensure that the exploration process does not substantially degrade water quality, damage to the environment, or unduly affect the lives and livelihoods of the people of Fond St Jacques, Belle Plaine and Saltibus. Drilling waste and effluent would be managed so that hazardous materials are not released into the water supply.

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Q40 I will the results of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) be shared with the public?

Yes, all project documents will be shared on the Government of Saint Lucia's, RESDP's and World Bank's websites (www.sluresdp.com). In addition, they will be discussed at all project consultations.

Q41 | How will the drilling affect farmers and their lands?

If the lands selected for the drilling activity is farming lands, then farmers will not be able to farm the lands for a two-year period if the land is leased. In this case, farmers will be compensated for the loss of access to their land, crops and income. However, if the land is purchased, then farmers will not be able to farm the land indefinitely. Farmers will have to farm a different section of the land, beyond the drilling and buffer zone.

Q42 | Will the drilling vibration affect houses?

Seismic monitoring will be undertaken several months before, during and after drilling to ensure preventive measures are taken if significant vibrations are recorded.

Q43 | Will there be any toxic gases released because of the drilling?

Toxic gas levels will be continuously monitored and controlled.

Q44 | Will drilling during geothermal exploration trigger earthquakes?

Surface vibrations are possible during geothermal drilling activities. Geothermal energy extraction involves pumping water into and out of an underground reservoir, which can cause changes in the pore pressure and stress state of the rocks. This can trigger induced seismicity along existing faults, or fractures in the geothermal system. Induced seismicity is the term used to describe earthquakes caused or triggered by human activities, such as fluid injection, hydraulic fracturing, mining, geothermal energy, or carbon sequestration. Most of these events are too weak to be felt or cause damage, but some may reach magnitudes of 2-3 or higher.

Q45 | Can drilling deep into the earth near a volcano trigger a volcanic eruption?

No. It is not possible for deep drilling near a volcano to 'trigger' a volcanic eruption. Drilling does not typically reach the magma chamber, nor does it want to. Geothermal developments in Hawaii and Iceland have drilled into lava and the fluid used during drilling rapidly cooled the lava and turned it into a kind of glass, therefore there was no eruption or lava coming to surface level. While a volcano's magma is the heat source for geothermal energy, drilling into it will not trigger an eruption.

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Q46 | What is the visual impact of geothermal technologies?

Geothermal power plants use relatively small acreages for the equipment, most likely less than 1O acres. Pipelines between wells and power plants may be visible, but good planning can reduce this impact. Emissions from the power plant are just steam and will present a visible plume. Many geothermal power plants are in environmentally sensitive areas and visual impacts can largely be mitigated by planting. In Bouillante, Guadeloupe, the power plant is in the heart of the commune.

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Q47 | Is there a risk of fires breaking out during geothermal exploration drilling?

Our geothermal resource is a steam resource and would not release substantial quantities of combustible gases and fluids. Importantly, the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) does provide guidelines for limiting or managing the risk of fire from construction equipment, activities such as welding, or from workers smoking on-site. Worker training will be provided and fire suppression equipment will be maintained at the work sites.

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Q48 | WilI there be any noise and how will it affect the people of the community?

The noisiest activities are drilling and well testing. These activities are conducted over a relatively short period of time (i.e., a few weeks to a few months) and so it could be expected that there may be some disturbance during this period. Communities would be notified in advance of drilling. Silencers and noise reduction devices will be installed on drilling equipment. Well pads will be located as far away from homes as possible and to minimize noise from drilling, the drill rig would be located about 300 feet or more away from any homes. The Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) outlines procedures for tracking compliance with mitigation.

Q49 | Will the drilling affect people at night?

If it does, then procedures will be put in place to minimize the risks and impacts on the affected persons.

Q50 I What is the DIPT-RESDP Scholarship and Apprenticeship Programme (DIPT-RESDP SAP)?

The Department ofInfrastructure, Ports and Transport - Renewable Energy Sector DevelopmentProject Scholarship and Apprenticeship Programme (DIPT-RESDP SAP) is a CanadaClean Energy and Forest Climate Facility funded scholarship programme to be runduring the 4 years of the project. Its objective is to undertake activitiesaimed to narrow the gender gap in Saint Lucia; namely, educational andemployment gaps in technical jobswithin the energy sector.

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Q51 I Under the RESDP Scholarship and Apprenticeship Programme why is priority given to females?

This was the wish of the sponsor. Theirdecision is based on the outcome of researchconducted in 2021 which showed that men far outnumbered women in technical jobs in the energy sector. The programme seeksto address this inequity by training females to make them eligible for jobs inthat sector.

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Q52 I What is the age limit for applying for the scholarship programme?

There is no age limit for the programme.

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Q53 I Where is the DIPT-RESDP SAP run and how does one qualify for the programme?

The programme is implemented at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. To be eligible, females must gain admission into the Electrical and Mechanical Department of the college and pursue an associate degree in Electrical Mechanical, Computer Systems, or Automotive Engineering or certificate in Electrical Installation, Motor Vehicle Mechanics or Air Conditioning Systems.

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Q54 I What is the scholarship period?

Scholarships are for a two-year period ,only.

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Q55 I Are there any plans for meeting and discussing the project with the public?

Yes, the project has a Stakeholder Engagement Plan that speaks to the frequency and types of engagementwith the public. The updated documentwill be shared on the Government of Saint Lucia's andRESDP's websites (www.sluresdp.com), shortly.

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Q56 I Will the drilling decrease the value of the land in the community?

Firstly, the land use of the land will change from agriculture to industry. As towhether the value of the land will change, it will dependon the success or failure of the drilling activity.

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Q57 I Will the government acquire more land if the wells produce steam?

Yes, if this phase of the project is successful, then more land area will be required to move into the next phase.

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Q58 I What will happen if the GOSL wants to use my land? Will I be compensated?

The project may require the use of private land. If this becomes necessary, the GOSL will engage in an open market transaction (private treaty)with the owner for purchase of their lands. Funding has been secured from the World Bank for this activity.

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Q59 I What are the measures in place if there is a need to relocate people?

This is covered in the project's Abbreviated-Resettlement Action Plan (A-RAP). The A-RAP covers the measures that will be undertaken if there is a need to displace and relocate project affected people in each of the drilling communities. The objective of the A-RAP is to ensure that the displaced are no worse off than they were before the commencement of the exploration drilling activities of the project. The A-RAP will be published on the GOSL's and RESDP's websites (www.sluresdp.com) after the current draft RAP is revised and updated.

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Q60 I What are the likely benefits for Saint Lucians if this project is successful and the GOSL moves towards geothermal power production?

Long-term Competitiveness

The country's long-term competitiveness and growth potential is highly dependent on its ability to secure affordable, stable and resilient electricity, At present ,the volatile and

high cost of electricity is a significant impediment to investment that erodes the country's competitiveness and burdens consumers; especially the poor.

Indigenous EnergyResource

Geothermal is an indigenous resource which can reduce our reliance on imported oil.

Potentially Lower Price for Power

Saint Lucia is a small island; it is not feasible to have multiple companies. We are 99%electrified and have very good infrastructure. LUCELEC will continue to provide the transportation infrastructure. Power generated by independent power producer swill be sold to LUCELEC at a price lower than it costs LUCELEC to produce power from oil. Although there is no guarantee, hopefully the price of power will go down. A lower cost power supply would benefit all consumers and improve the country's competitiveness.

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Q61 I How will people from the community benefit from the project?

Short term, there will be opportunities for employment on the project in the civil and drilling works and for supply of food, accommodation, transportation and auxiliary services to project workers, contractors and management company.

Medium term, there will be a direct use study to determine how the resource could further benefit locals.

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Q62 I Will it be possible for land to be leased versus outright sale?

In most geothermal projects land is purchasedrather than leased. In Saint Lucia, it will be necessary to purchase the land forconstruction of the drilling well pads. It is necessary to do so to preventunauthorised tampering with the well heads and for general safety reasons. In caseswhere temporary access roads have to be built to access the drilling area, landwill be leased.

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Q63 I Will the project provide cheaper electricity?

The purpose at this stage is to assess whether our geothermal resource has commercial potential and address other queries. If the project is successful, the GOSL may pursue power plant development opportunities. If we proceed to that stage, an objective would be to reduce and/or stabilize the cost of electricity in Saint Lucia while maintaining a reliable service. At present the total cost of the development is unknown and so the impact on electricity prices is uncertain.

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Q64 I How many people will benefit from geothermal energy?

Everyone in the country.

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Q65 I How will the government benefit from this project?

Because we are highly oil dependent, high oil prices have a negative impact on our balance of trade and worsen our current account deficit. In view of a successful project outcome and the construction of a geothermal power plant, the amount of money spent purchasing diesel for electricity generation will be reduced resulting in an improvement in our balance of trade and current account situations.

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Q66 I Where can one find more information on the project?

More information on the project can be found on the GOSL's and RESDP's websites (www.sluresdp.com) and Facebook pages.

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Q67 | Is there a mechanism for addressing project-related grievances: issues, concerns, problems, complaints or to make a suggestion?

Yes, our Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) is a localized system that addresses complaints about the project in a transparent, efficient and effective manner.

Q68 | How do you report project-related grievances?

Grievances can be reported to the RESDP through our numerous uptake channels:

Grievance Forms/Suggestion Boxes in project communities
In person
Telephone, text or WhatsApp - 732-0030
Project's website (www.sluresdp.com)
Google survey form
Project's Facebook page

Email to grievances@resdpslu.com

Q69 | How long will it take for the GRM to resolve grievances?

We are committed to resolving grievances within 30 days of the making of a complaint.

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Q70 | Will the project be investigating cases of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment?

Yes, the project is mandated to investigate and address project related incidents.

Q71 | Who can report sexual exploitation?

The survivor can report the situation. The survivor will then be referred to a GBV service provider already identified by the project.

Q72 I What are the measures in place for addressing non-sexual exploitation?

The project is primarily concerned with sexual exploitation. However, exploitation of child labor and underpaid labor would be dealt with through our Grievance Redress Mechanism.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Renewable Energy

Geothermal Energy Development

Past Geothermal Developments

Present Geothermal Development Technical