The Nevis Electricity Company Limited (NEVLEC) has concluded a successful technical mission to Iceland as preparations continue for the next phase of the Nevis Geothermal Drilling Project.

The delegation, led by General Manager Nelson Stapleton and Project Coordinator Naftalie Errar, travelled to Iceland primarily to witness the independent third-party inspection of the Drillmec HH-300 “Týr” drilling rig, which is being prepared for mobilisation to Nevis.

During the visit, the NEVLEC team worked closely with Scotia Drilling Consultants (SDC) as the inspection progressed and engaged with the Iceland Drilling Company (IDC) on the condition and readiness of the rig, ongoing maintenance activities, mobilisation requirements and preparations for drilling in Nevis. The delegation also reviewed aspects of IDC’s operations and visited active geothermal drilling sites, providing first-hand exposure to drilling practices, equipment management and field operations.

The mission also included technical discussions with COWI on civil engineering requirements for the geothermal well pads and associated infrastructure. An introductory meeting was also held with Verkís, another Icelandic engineering firm, to explore its experience and potential areas of technical support to the project.

As part of the mission’s broader technical and capacity-building programme, the delegation visited ON Power’s Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant and an active drilling operation in the Hellisheiði geothermal field. These visits provided practical insight into the relationship between drilling, steam-field development, power generation, reinjection and long-term geothermal resource management.

The delegation also met with ÍSOR – Iceland GeoSurvey, where discussions focused on geoscience, geothermal resource assessment, reservoir engineering and the technical information required to support the development and management of the Nevis geothermal resource.

Capacity building remained an important component of the mission. Discussions with the GRÓ Geothermal Training Programme (GRÓ GTP) included opportunities for geothermal training for NEVLEC personnel and wider stakeholders, including the proposed introduction of a short “Geothermal 101” programme for utility staff, government officials and other relevant participants. Opportunities for the nomination of a candidate to participate in GRÓ GTP’s six-month specialised training programme were also discussed.

The NEVLEC team also engaged with Landsvirkjun, Iceland’s national power company, gaining insight into the utility’s experience in geothermal development, project management and long-term operation of renewable energy assets.

A particularly valuable engagement was held with Jónas Ketilsson, who was involved in early geothermal assessment work relating to Nevis in 2009. The meeting provided an opportunity to revisit the earlier assessment in the context of the progress made since then and to exchange views on the current stage of development of the resource.

With the Iceland mission completed, attention now turns to the remaining readiness activities ahead of drilling. These include the close-out of inspection findings, completion of required maintenance, advancement of civil works and well-pad preparation, and the mobilisation of the drilling rig to Nevis. The mobilisation order is expected shortly, with the various workstreams progressing in parallel toward the commencement of drilling.

The successful mission represents another step in preparing Nevis for geothermal drilling and in building the technical, institutional and operational capacity needed to support the long-term development of the island’s geothermal resource.

The Nevis Geothermal Drilling Project is being led by the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), with NEVLEC serving as the Executing Agency, and with support from the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis. The project is also supported by key development financing partners, including the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and Green Climate Fund (GCF).