CDB and Government of New Zealand affirm partnership on geothermal energy

The Government of New Zealand and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) have formally confirmed their ongoing partnership in support of geothermal energy development in the Eastern Caribbean. On December 12, 2016, New Zealand High Commissioner, Her Excellency Mrs Jan Henderson met with President of CDB, Dr William Warren Smith, to discuss progress on the implementation of the CDB GeoSMART Initiative, which has been receiving technical support from the Government of New Zealand.New Zealand recognises renewable energy as a key enabler of sustainable economic development and a high priority for Small Island Developing States, and works with partners in the Caribbean to expand access to affordable, reliable, and renewable energy,” said Mrs Henderson.

“CDB welcomes the support and partnership of the Government of New Zealand, as we work towards transforming the energy sector in the Caribbean. The CDB GeoSMART Initiative taps the significant potential of geothermal energy to substantially accelerate progress in the shift to affordable and clean energy throughout the Eastern Caribbean,” added Dr Smith.New Zealand High Commissioner, Her Excellency Mrs Jan Henderson (left) and President of CDB, Dr William Warren Smith (right) commemorate New Zealand and CDB’s ongoing partnership in support of geothermal energy development in the Eastern Caribbean. The GeoSMART Initiative was developed by CDB to provide appropriate and responsive financing to hasten sustainable geothermal development in the Eastern Caribbean. By way of a Letter of Intent, New Zealand confirmed its support for the Initiative through the provision of specialist drilling, geoscience and engineering advisory services.