Antigua and Barbuda in Advanced Talks With St. Kitts and Nevis on Geothermal Energy Deal

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda is in advanced discussions with Saint Kitts and Nevis and the European Union on a proposed geothermal energy partnership aimed at reducing electricity costs and the country’s dependence on fossil fuels.

Speaking on Pointe FM, Browne said the proposal would involve purchasing geothermal power generated in Nevis and transmitting it to Antigua through a subsea cable.

“We’re in advanced discussions now with St. Kitts and Nevis and the European Union,” Browne said. “The European Union is thinking about advancing some funds, a few hundred million US dollars, to St. Kitts and Nevis, to help them to develop the geothermal energy.”

He said Antigua and Barbuda has indicated it would buy electricity from St. Kitts and Nevis to help ensure the project’s commercial viability.

“And we have said to the European Union that we will buy the power from St. Kitts Nevis to ensure that it’s commercially viable,” Browne said.

The prime minister described geothermal energy as a more stable and reliable alternative to fossil fuels and renewable sources such as solar and wind, which can be affected by weather conditions.

“You don’t have that kind of problem with geothermal. You’re getting strong base load energy consistently,” he said.

Browne argued that the arrangement could significantly reduce energy costs across the Eastern Caribbean and lessen the impact of volatile global oil prices on consumers.

“So within the OECS, I’m going to try and do is certainly to see how I can help to accelerate greater collaboration cooperation,” he said, linking the geothermal proposal to wider regional integration efforts.

The discussions form part of broader efforts by Antigua and Barbuda to transition toward renewable energy as households and businesses face rising electricity costs linked to international fuel prices.