The Nevis Electricity Company Limited (NEVLEC) says the island’s geothermal drilling project is moving closer to drilling with a NEVLEC delegation travelling to Iceland as the 272-metric-tonne Drillmec HH-300 ‘Týr’ rig prepares to undergo its final independent acceptance inspection.
The delegation, led by NEVLEC general manager Nelson Stapleton and project coordinator Naftalie Errar, late last month oversaw the inspection at the Iceland Drilling Company (IDC) facility.
NEVLEC said that the inspection represents the ‘final major quality assurance and safety verification before the rig is mobilised to Nevis’ adding that the delegation held discussions with drilling, engineering and geothermal specialists in Iceland.
‘The rig is expected to drill five geothermal wells at the Hamilton geothermal site. Successful completion of the inspection and certification process will clear the way for its ocean transport to Nevis,’ NEVLEC said in a statement.
‘As we move closer to drilling, it is important that NEVLEC has direct oversight of the rig’s readiness and a clear understanding of what will be required once the equipment is mobilised to Nevis,’ said Stapleton.
‘Equally important is building the capacity of our team so that the knowledge and experience gained during this stage remain within NEVLEC and can support the project throughout drilling and the subsequent development of the geothermal resource,’ he added.
The inspection was conducted by Scotia Drilling Consultants, a UK-based specialist in drilling-rig inspections and technical assessments. Its review covers the rig’s structural, mechanical, operational and safety systems.
The project is being led by the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), with NEVLEC serving as the executing agency, and with support from the St. Kitts and Nevis government. The project is also supported by key development financing partners, including the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and Green Climate Fund (GCF).
‘This partnership reflects a shared commitment to developing Nevis’ indigenous geothermal resource in a manner that strengthens energy security, reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, and supports a more resilient and sustainable energy future for Nevis and the wider Federation,’ NEVLEC said.
The statement said that during the visit to Iceland, the two NEVLEC officials visited ON Power’s Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant, which has an installed electrical capacity of approximately 303 MW and is recognised as the largest geothermal power plant in Europe. ‘The visit provided an opportunity to examine the operation of a large-scale geothermal facility and gain insight into geothermal wells, steam-field infrastructure, power generation, reinjection and long-term resource management.’
It said that the delegation also visited an active geothermal drilling site in the Hellisheiði area, where IDC is undertaking drilling to a planned depth of approximately 2,400 metres.
‘A further capacity-building engagement was held with the GRÓ Geothermal Training Programme (GRÓ GTP), where discussions focused on opportunities to strengthen geothermal knowledge and technical capacity in Nevis. Among the initiatives discussed was the development of a free two-day ‘Geothermal 101’ introductory course for NEVLEC staff, government officials and other relevant stakeholders.
‘The delegation also discussed the identification and nomination of a suitable candidate to participate in the six-month GRÓ GTP fellowship programme in Iceland, providing an opportunity for more specialized training and long-term institutional capacity development,’ the statement said.