en.Wedoany.com Reported - To regulate the exploration, development, and utilization of geothermal resources, Saint Lucia recently launched a public consultation process to develop a modern legislative framework. A consulting team has been conducting a series of meetings and discussions with various stakeholders in the country.

This consultation activity is funded by the Geothermal Energy Utilization, Investment and Local Development Capacity Building Programme (GEOBUILD) under the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), aiming to assist Saint Lucia in drafting a Geothermal Energy Development Bill. Expert teams from partners Partnerships International, Inc. and Arthur John Armstrong, PC have arrived in Saint Lucia to organize multiple stakeholder meetings.

The first round of meetings was held at the Ministry of Infrastructure, with participants including representatives from government agencies, regulatory bodies, private sector organizations, and development partners. Subsequently, the consulting team held another meeting with key agencies in the southern region of the island. Discussions focused on geothermal resource ownership and management, investment and financing models, regulatory oversight mechanisms, and the potential for direct applications of geothermal energy in power generation and sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and industry.

Participants also explored how the legislative framework could help Saint Lucia achieve long-term goals, such as reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, enhancing energy security, and stabilizing electricity prices. The consulting team presented their methodology for drafting the geothermal legislation proposal at the meetings, emphasizing that the framework would incorporate international best practices and Caribbean experiences, aligning with the country's energy policy.

In addition to stakeholder meetings, the consulting team engaged in policy discussions with the Minister responsible for Public Service and conducted a site visit to a location planned for slim-hole exploration drilling to assess the project's technical and environmental context. By establishing a sound legislative framework, the OECS's GEOBUILD programme aims to create a conducive investment environment and promote the sustainable development of Saint Lucia's geothermal resources.

In the Caribbean region, geothermal energy development is making progress, for instance, Dominica's first geothermal power plant has entered the testing phase in preparation for formal commercial operation.

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