Geothermal energy is the energy from the earth's core in the form of heat.  Geothermal energy can be used for electricity generation and for direct uses such as heating or cooling. The first recorded use of the geothermal resources of the Caribbean  was by the Arawaks, who used hot springs for bathing and cooking. The region also has a long history of geothermal energy exploration efforts for electricity production in an effort to develop this indigenous renewable energy source that has the potential to positively transform the energy mix of the region . The first and only operating geothermal power plant to date in the Caribbean is located in Guadeloupe.  This plant has a current installed capacity of 15 megawatts and there are plans to double the electricity production from geothermal energy in Guadeloupe.    Additionally, seven (7) other OECS Member States are also pursuing the development of Geothermal Energy:  The Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada,  Martinique, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission has been supporting Member States in building their capacity for geothermal development to meet the domestic electricity consumption of their populations through clean, renewable, and sustainable geothermal energy. Successful development of geothermal energy has the potential  to reduce the cost of electricity which can spur economic development, eliminate the reliance on imported fuel that will produce savings from the increasing cost of fossil fuel immediately, and provide price stability and energy security for the long term. This could also support green jobs and ultimately improve the quality of life in the OECS. However, except for Guadeloupe, geothermal energy technology is new to the OECS region. Furthermore, geothermal projects are complex, require a lot of capital and have unique technical challenges, especially in the Exploration Stage which need to be addressed.  There is a clear need for building the capacity of the OECS in areas of related sciences, engineering, legal and policy development  and economic analyses to ensure the successful management of region’s geothermal projects.The Geothermal Energy: Capacity Building for Utilization Investment and Local Development (GEOBUILD) Project was designed to respond directly  to these  capacity challenges and the needs of the five (5) participating OECS Member states.