Jeevan A. Robinson (MNI Alive Media)
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Montserrat has been on a sustained drive to have renewable energy contribute to its Energy output via the National Grid. The mandate has been pronounced that by the year 2020, Montserrat expects to be 100% renewable energy efficient.
The key drivers towards this renewable energy push are both the geothermal energy exploration, currently taking place on the island, and also solar energy capture and production into the grid.
These efforts are being spearheaded by the Ministry of Communications, Works, Energy and Labour (MCWEL) and are geared towards ensuring that Montserrat's economic future will be put on a sustainable path with the availability of cheaper and cleaner energy.
This is required so that the island can be positioned to attract more businesses that are heavily energy reliant such as Manufacturing companies, and other types of industries that the island can market itself to as a place to do business in the future.
Presently on the island, the drilling of Geothermal well number 3 at the base of St George's Hill has been ongoing.
A forum was held last week at the Montserrat Cultural Centre (MCC) to update residents as to the present status surrounding the drilling of well number 3, or MON3, as it is usually termed. {module_webapps id="41638" filter="item" itemId="14411795"}
Present at this forum were panelists; Hon Paul J. Lewis - Minister with responsibility for Energy here on Montserrat and champion of the 100% renewable energy drive. Also present was DFID's country Manager - Martin Dawson. DFID are the ones who are funding and managing the drilling of MON3. Present too were Scientist, Dr Graham Ryan ; MON3 Project Manager Nicolas Reyas; and Environmentalist Tracy Lewis.
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MNI Alive Media conducted an interview with the Project Manager on MON3, Mr Nicolas Reyas, where he updated us on the status thus far with the drilling of the well. Listen to our conversation below:
