Skip to main content

Nevis Ignites Caribbean Energy Future with Landmark Geothermal Drilling Bids

🌋 Nevis Powers Forward: A Quantum Leap in Geothermal Energy Development

By Robert Buluma| July 9, 2025

In a move hailed as a monumental step toward clean energy independence, Nevis has officially reached a historic milestone in its geothermal energy journey. With the recent opening of global tenders for the drilling of five major geothermal wells, the island is now closer than ever to realizing its ambition of sustainable, baseload geothermal power.

Premier Hon. Mark Brantley, speaking during the July 3 sitting of the Nevis Island Assembly, described the development as a “quantum leap forward” — and rightly so. For a project that has been years in the making, the recent submission of bids by some of the world’s largest and most respected drilling companies signals a bold new chapter in Caribbean energy innovation.

🌍 Five Global Giants Enter the Ring

Bids have been officially submitted by five world-renowned companies:

  • Iceland Drilling Company (Iceland)
  • Marriott Drilling (UK)
  • Consortium Drilling (UK)
  • Ormat (USA)
  • IPS-USA (USA)

These heavyweights are competing for the contract to drill three production and two reinjection wells at the Hamilton site — the heart of the planned 30 MW geothermal plant. Once operational, the plant is expected to provide reliable electricity to both Nevis and St. Kitts, significantly reducing fossil fuel dependency.

🔍 Transparent Tender, Global Standards

Though the initial tender was launched in February, multiple bidders requested time extensions for comprehensive site visits and assessments — a testament to the complexity and significance of the project. An independent Evaluation Committee, comprising local and regional technical experts, is reviewing the bids with transparency at its core.

Premier Brantley emphasized that there is zero political interference in the evaluation process, stating, “There’s no political involvement in that… the government has no role, and that’s consistent with best practices.”

The technical evaluation is expected to conclude by July 31, after which financial proposals will be opened. The company with the best overall technical and financial score will be awarded the drilling contract.

🏗️ Power Plant Procurement Next in Line

Even as the drilling process advances, preparations for the next phase — the construction of the geothermal power plant — are already underway. A draft of the Bidding Document for the 30 MW facility is under review, with procurement expected to begin within three months.

Premier Brantley praised Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew for his continued collaboration on the mission, noting the vital role of partnership between Nevis and the federal government of St. Kitts and Nevis.

💰 Financing the Future

The project is backed by a strong international funding consortium, including:

  • US$51.6 million from the Green Climate Fund (via the Caribbean Development Bank and Inter-American Development Bank)
  • US$20 million from the Saudi Fund for Development

Further funding discussions are ongoing with the CARICOM Development Fund, Green Climate Fund, and other partners to support future phases.

♻️ A Beacon of Caribbean Clean Energy

The Nevis Geothermal Energy Project is not just a local achievement — it’s a beacon for clean energy in the Caribbean. Once complete, this flagship initiative will usher in a new era of sustainable power, economic resilience, and environmental stewardship across the region.

Related: Russia 🇷🇺 bolsters up for Geothermal as Hydro magnets and Oil and Gas barrels come together to bank on Geothermal

With the eyes of the geothermal world now turned to Nevis, this small island is proving that bold vision, international collaboration, and a commitment to transparency can turn deep earth heat into long-term prosperity.


Stay tuned for more geothermal news and insights from around the world, only on the Alphaxioms Blog 

Source: Nevis & ST. Kitts

Connect With Us: Alphaxioms

Comments

Hot Topics

Stanford’s Smart Cement Could Revolutionize Geothermal Energy”

Stanford  Engineers Unveil a Game-Changer: Smart Cement for Geothermal Wells By:  Robert Buluma In the ever-evolving journey toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, geothermal energy continues to rise as a powerful ally. But while the heat beneath our feet is abundant, safely and efficiently tapping into it isn’t always straightforward. Now,  Stanford University researchers may have just cracked a key challenge—with a material innovation that could transform the geothermal industry forever. 💡 The Problem: Cement Cracks and the Risk It Poses In geothermal wells, cement is used to seal and stabilize boreholes. But here’s the catch: high underground temperatures and pressures can cause traditional cement to crack over time. These micro-cracks can lead to serious risks—fluid leaks, well failure, environmental hazards, and even safety concerns for workers and communities. 🧠 The Solution: Stanford’s “Smart Cement” A team of  Stanford engineers, led by res...

🔥Geothermal Gold Rush: BLM New Mexico Opens Land Nominations for 2026 Lease Sale🔥

Santa Fe, New Mexico – In an exciting move for the geothermal industry, the  Bureau of land Management (BLM) New Mexico State Office is officially welcoming nominations for geothermal leasing ahead of its upcoming lease sale, expected to take place in March 2026 . By : Robert Buluma If you’ve been eyeing geothermal development opportunities, the clock is ticking— all nominations must be submitted by September 25, 2025 . ⚡ Why This Matters Geothermal energy is a game-changer. It's clean, renewable, and offers reliable baseload power—something wind and solar can’t always guarantee. As climate action intensifies and demand for sustainable power surges, tapping into the Earth’s heat is becoming one of the most promising frontiers in the American West. The BLM plays a pivotal role in this transformation, managing 245 million acres of public lands and 700 million acres of subsurface mineral estates across the country, making them a key player in the geothermal energy boom. Geothermal...

Arunachal Pradesh to Host India’s First Fully Indigenous 50 kW Geothermal Power Plant

Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh — In a landmark initiative for renewable energy innovation, India is set to commission its first fully indigenous 50 kW geothermal power plant in the Himalayan state of Arunachal Pradesh. By:  Robert Buluma Why it matters Operating at an unusually low geothermal temperature of just 68 °C , the project showcases India’s capability to harness Earth’s heat even at smaller scales. Designed to benefit about 5,000 residents in remote communities of Tawang district—Mago, Thingbu, and Damteng—it represents a decentralized model for clean energy supply. Who’s behind it The Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS) and Shriram Institute for Industrial Research (SIIR) have formalized their collaboration to carry the project forward. Their earlier work includes a 20 kW pilot using the same indigenous bipolar-process technology, preceded by trials with a 5 kW lab-scale model. Tech innovation at the core According to project insiders, trial campaigns ...

Meta and XGS Energy Partner on 150 MW Geothermal Power Project in New Mexico

Meta and XGS Energy Partner on 150 MW Geothermal Power Project in New Mexico A Game-Changer for AI, Clean Energy, and the Future By Robert Buluma – Alphaxioms Energy Blog In a bold move that signals the future of energy and technology convergence, XGS Energy and Meta Platforms, Inc. have announced a groundbreaking agreement to develop 150 megawatts (MW) of next-generation geothermal energy in New Mexico. This partnership not only promises to reshape the state's energy landscape but also underscores the growing demand for sustainable, round-the-clock power to fuel the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven economies. Clean Power Without Water – XGS’s Unique Edge At the heart of this partnership lies XGS Energy’s proprietary solid-state geothermal technology. Unlike traditional geothermal systems that rely heavily on water and specific geological conditions, XGS’s innovation enables electricity production from hot, dry rock  with zero operating water use. This water-inde...

"Steam, Scandals, and Stalled Megawatts: KenGen’s Court Battle Over Olkaria VII Consultancy"

Power, Politics, and Procurement: Inside KenGen’s Legal Battle Over Olkaria VII Geothermal Consultancy By  Robert Buluma In a dramatic twist that’s shaken Kenya’s energy sector, the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) is locked in a legal showdown over the consultancy tender for its highly anticipated Olkaria VII geothermal power plant. The project, aimed at injecting 80 megawatts of clean energy into the national grid, now faces turbulence—not from the underground steam chambers of Hell’s Gate, but from boardrooms and courtrooms. 🔍 What’s the Fuss About? At the heart of this high-stakes battle is a €18.16 million consultancy tender awarded to Italy’s ELC Electroconsult SPA . The catch? Their bid was over Sh200 million higher than that of the next technically qualified firm. The Public Procurement Administrative Review Board (PPARB), Kenya’s watchdog for public tenders, wasn’t impressed. In a June 2025 ruling, PPARB annulled the award, citing procedural irregularities, ...

Margün Energy Taps Turkey’s Geothermal Potential for Lithium Extraction"

Turkish Renewables Company Margün Energy Targets Lithium in Geothermal Waters Location: Seferihisar, İzmir Province, Western Turkey By :  Robert Buluma 🚀 Margün Energy Enters the Lithium Game Margün Energy, a Turkish renewables company, has announced plans to explore lithium extraction from geothermal brine at its newly acquired 12 MW geothermal facility in Kavakdere, Seferihisar. The site lies within a vast 3,125-hectare exploration concession in İzmir that the company intends to analyze for lithium mineral content and other valuable elements. While Margün Energy clarified that it is not a mining company and has not applied for mining licenses, it emphasized that direct extraction from geothermal fluid is fundamentally different from conventional mining. If sufficient lithium concentrations are confirmed, Margün plans to build an on-site extraction plant integrated with its geothermal operations. 🌞 Hybrid Power Boost In tandem with its geothermal initiative, Margün is pursuing a...

PGEO's Geothermal Ambition Ignites: Lumut Balai Unit 2 Nears Full Power by June 2025

PGEO's Geothermal Ambition Ignites: Lumut Balai Unit 2 Nears Full Power by June 2025 By  Alphaxioms | June 18, 2025 In the heart of Sumatra’s steamy rainforest, a silent revolution is unfolding one that doesn't spew smoke or roar with turbines, but hums with the promise of a greener tomorrow. PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk (PGEO) is racing against time to power up its PLTP Lumut Balai Unit 2 , and with the first successful synchronization to PLN’s grid, the countdown to full commercial operation by June 2025 has officially begun. ⚡ The Beginning of a Brighter, Cleaner Era On June 16, 2025, PGEO achieved a crucial milestone: initial synchronization of Lumut Balai Unit 2 at 10% capacity (around 5.5 MW) of its total 55 MW output. What may sound like a small step was, in fact, the spark igniting a larger geothermal ambition. This step not only marks the start of transmitting electricity into the national grid, but it is also a powerful symbol of Indonesia’s forward march t...

Mercury, Contact Lead NZ's Supercritical Geothermal Energy Revolution

🌋 From the Ground Up: New Zealand’s Bold Leap into a Supercharged Geothermal Future By:  Robert Buluma In the heart of New Zealand, beneath the rugged volcanic landscapes and steaming geysers, lies an energy revolution waiting to erupt. On July 30th, 2025, a powerful message echoed from the geothermal capital of the Southern Hemisphere — New Zealand is not just embracing its geothermal potential; it is preparing to unleash it. With the unveiling of the draft strategy titled From the Ground Up , the government, led by Minister Shane Jones for Resources and Regional Development, signaled a transformative shift in how the nation will harness the heat beneath its feet — and it's as ambitious as it is inspiring. 🔥 A Legacy Forged in Steam New Zealand’s geothermal story is deeply rooted in its identity. Long before turbines spun and power grids buzzed, Māori ancestors were using geothermal waters for warmth, healing, and cooking. Geothermal, or waiwhatu , is more than a resource — ...

🔥 Geothermal Gold Beneath the Lion City: Singapore Uncovers Surprising Heat Power in Sembawang

When you think of Singapore, what comes to mind? Skyscrapers. Tech. Food. Green innovation. But now, add one more surprising trait to the list: geothermal powerhouse . By:  Robert Buluma That’s right beneath the city-state’s highly urbanized northern district lies a blazing opportunity that could redefine Singapore’s energy story. In a recent announcement that’s set the clean energy world abuzz, scientists from NTU Singapore and TUMCREATE revealed astonishing findings from a joint geothermal drilling project. At just 1.76 km underground in Sembawang , temperatures have soared to a jaw-dropping 122°C —a record-breaker for the region, and far higher than the 70°C earlier recorded at a shallower depth in Admiralty. This isn't just hot news. It’s a revolutionary discovery that could reshape how one of the world's most densely populated nations powers its future. 🌋 A Hidden Furnace Below the Urban Jungle This project—backed by Singapore’s National Research Foundation (NRF) and th...

Teverra Powers Up Rico: A $200K Boost to Colorado’s Geothermal Future

By Robert Buluma | Alphaxioms Blog | July 8, 2025 From Fossil Fuels to the Earth’s Furnace—Rico is Rising Nestled in the mountainous beauty of southwest Colorado, the historic town of Rico is about to become a shining example of how geothermal innovation can power a resilient, carbon-free future. Thanks to a $200,000 grant from the Colorado Energy Office, awarded under the state’s groundbreaking Geothermal Energy Grant Program, Teverra is setting the stage for a transformative shift in how rural communities heat their homes. 🔥 A Groundbreaking Project with Groundbreaking Heat Teverra, headquartered in Atlanta, is no stranger to subsurface energy innovation. But the Rico Heat Network Project might just be one of its most impactful endeavors yet. The company plans to deploy cutting-edge subsurface analysis, thermal modeling, and engineering expertise to develop a direct-use geothermal system that will sustainably heat and cool buildings across the town. This isn’t just a pilot—it’s a pr...