Island Geothermal – An Untapped Resource?

The WIRE Network as part of its strategy to expand its reach, has committed to forging partnerships and focussing on thematic areas within the renewable energy space, relevant to the needs of the islands. One such thematic area is the development of Geothermal Energy. Geothermal energy can single-handedly transform the energy sectors of the volcanic islands. However, challenges in the development streams of geothermal energy, due to a myriad of challenges, has plagued the islands.Women are underrepresented in energy fields globally, and island nations are no exception. Gender diversity as a key strategy to overcoming the recurring challenges of geothermal development and cannot be underestimated. This hinges on the fact that having both women and men involved brings diversity into leadership and professional solutions.For the two aforementioned reasons, an all-female, WIRE coordinated panel seeks to bring a new perspective to geothermal development.
The one of the main objectives of this panel is to facilitate a dialogue that highlights the lessons learnt and proven solutions to geothermal energy, a game changer and transformative tool within the energy sector in the Caribbean. The panel may therefore consist of fruitful and thought evoking dialogue on the following discussion points:• The critical role of geothermal energy in the transformation of the energy sector of islands• The major lessons learnt by select islands through their resource development, for example Dominica and St Lucia• Effective and contextual means of overcoming the stubborn challenges associated with geothermal energy development• Ideal economic and business models surrounding geothermal development that would benefit key stakeholders including utilities, governments, and civil society• The benefit of a regional approach to geothermal development• How value added applications of geothermal energy can serve as a catalyst to the development of the resource. (Direct use applications)• Geothermal energy and resilience• Selling of geothermal power among islands• What framework do utilities, project developers, regulators and governments need in place for successful geothermal projects?• Which specific elements must be addressed, or where do we turn for help?