Potential for Geothermal Development in Grenada, West Indies

Abstract

Pre-feasibility studies were conducted between 1992 and March 1993. Resource assessment included literature reviews. air photo evaluations, on-site geology and acquisition of new data for hydrogeochemistry. Additionally, interviews with key of the Grenadan public and private yielded insight how geothermal development could proceed in this island environment. Geological and hydro-geochemical studies identified sites with surface manifestations in central and northern Grenada and apparently commercial temperatures, Additional study of the three most prospective sites recommended on the basis of accessibility and apparent resource quality. The national power Utility, GRENLEC, the decommissioning of several small diesel powered electric generators by 1995, with need replace about of capacity. Additional new demand can be expected. For several reasons, privatization island infrastructure will become practical during the next few years. Power sales contracts could be obtained at prices exceeding today's fuel price, $US 0.088 per Economic modelling based on rite-specific conditions and plausibilities suggests a 7.5 facility could yield about 18%per year internal rare of return.