Renewable Energy Sector Development Project

14/05/2026

14/05/2026

Behind Every Success Story Is An Opportunity That Changed A Life. 💙

Today, we proudly share the inspiring journey of one student whose future was transformed through the Ministry of Physical Development and Public Utilities, Renewable Energy Sector Development Project, Scholarship and Apprenticeship Programme (MPDPU-RESDP SAP) initiative. What once seemed out of reach became possible through support, determination, and the right opportunity.

This story is a powerful reminder that education empowers, gives hope, and is the foundation for brighter possibilities.

Through the MPDPU-RESDP SAP, lives are being impacted, dreams are being nurtured, and students are being given the chance to rise above challenges and create meaningful futures for themselves and their families.

Watch this heartfelt testimony and see how investing in people creates lasting change.

08/05/2026

Saint Lucia Advances Geothermal Energy Future with Key Stakeholder Consultations for Geothermal Legislation

The Government of Saint Lucia through the
Ministry of Physical Development and Public Utilities, successfully concluded a critical series of stakeholder consultations aimed at shaping the nation’s Geothermal Resource Development Bill.

The consultative process was led by the hired consultant team, PI-AJA - a joint venture between Partnership International, Inc. and Arthur John Armstrong, PC. The experts conducted in-person sessions at the Department of Infrastructure Ports and Transport Conference Room in late February to provide project updates and gather initial feedback on the proposed policy framework.

Crucially, the Bill integrates rigorous environmental and social safeguards to protect the island’s natural heritage, including the Pitons Management Area, and ensures that local communities directly benefit from geothermal development such as the introduction of "direct-use" applications like agro-processing and wellness tourism in addition to renewable energy for electricity.

To support this transition, the OECS GEOBUILD have contracted consultants Partnership International, Inc. and Arthur John Armstrong, P.C. (PI-AJA) to serve as an advisory team. This advisory team is working closely with national stakeholders to develop drafting instructions for the Bill. This was followed by a comprehensive Policy Validation Workshop, to refine the legislative structure before finalizing the drafting instructions package.

The proposed Geothermal Resource Development Bill will create a transparent and stable environment for investment in home-grown, clean energy. Key pillars of the legislation discussed during the PI-AJA presentations include:
Clear Regulatory Rules: Establishing definitive guidelines for resource ownership and licensing.
Investment Support: Creating a legal framework that encourages sustainable investment in bankable geothermal exploration.
Safety and Environment: Implementing robust environmental and social safeguards to protect local communities and Saint Lucia’s natural heritage.

The feedback received from stakeholders is being directly incorporated into the final policy recommendations to ensure the legislation is both practical and inclusive.

By harnessing geothermal potential, Saint Lucia aims to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels and transition toward a more resilient, self-sufficient energy grid.

05/05/2026

Compensation Payments Have Begun for Project Affected Persons

By the end of April, the Government of St Lucia (GOSL) had paid compensation to 14 out of 17 economically displaced farming households affected by land clearance for the Renewable Energy Sector Development Project (RESDP). These households farm a variety of crops in the communities of Belvedere and Belle Plaine, Soufriere; and Park Estate, Saltibus. Compensation to the other three (3) households will take place during the month of May 2026.

The occupied lands will be used by the GOSL to facilitate well pad development and road expansion in Belvedere; well pad development, road expansion and materials storage in Belle Plaine; and material storage in Park Estate. A total of approximately 12 acres of land is required for the project. Of this amount, 2.40 acres will be acquired through the Land Registration Act, 2.30 acres purchased through private treaty; 2.8 acres leased and the government will transfer 4.45 acres of Crown Land for project use. The project’s occupation of these lands will result in the involuntary resettlement of 17 farming households.

In order to ensure that the quality and standard of living of these affected farming households is not compromised, they are being compensated for their assets valued at the cutoff date of September 30, 2024, paid for two-years lost income and provided with farm restoration support to assist in restoring their farms after project completion. These farming households will be allowed to return to their previous farmlands after completion of the project in mid-2028.

Besides the above 17 farming households, another 104 households will be economically affected by the project. These households are owners of the lands which will be acquired by the GOSL for the project but who do not farm or reside on the land. Because these are family lands and the heirs do not yet have legal title, administrators are presently being appointed for these respective families to facilitate payment of compensation amounts for their lands.

Compensation amounts calculated at replacement cost with interest at 6% per annum will be placed in escrow for each property. This will be undertaken immediately after the Ministry of Physical Development and Public Utilities has received Cabinet approval for the acquisitions. This approval is presently being sought. On appointment of administrators, final compensation amount will be negotiated by each family administrator with the GOSL’s Authorised Officer.

Thereafter, the agreed amount will be paid to the relevant family administrator from the escrow account for distribution to the heirs of the registered but deceased landowner.

27/04/2026

The Renewable Energy Sector Development Project (RESDP) presents the eleventh issue of our RESDP Review Newsletter. Contained in this issue is a progress report on all our recent activities, information on our scholarship and apprenticeship programme and a preview of future activities. We invite you to read more by clicking the link below.
https://bit.ly/3QPHxt3

Government of Saint Lucia
Ministry of Infrastructure - Saint Lucia
World Bank Group
Canada and the World
UK in Barbados and Eastern Caribbean

23/04/2026

Agreements Reached with Six Landowners for Installation of Seismic Monitoring Stations on their Lands

In view of houseowner concerns about the possibility of structural damage to their homes and auxiliary structures from geothermal-related civil and drilling works, the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) contracted the services of the UWI Seismic Research Centre (SRC) to monitor surface vibration during civil works, drilling operations and well testing.

During its reconnaissance earlier this year, SRC identified seven (7) locations which met their requirements for installing the relevant seismic monitoring equipment. In February and March, the PIU successfully negotiated with six of the seven landowners for construction and temporary installation of seismic stations on their lands. Efforts are presently being made to identify the heirs of the seventh landowner.

In order to legally engage and formalize the relationship with these landowners and the GOSL a Service Agreement is required. The PIU has prepared and submitted a draft of same to the Attorney General’s Chambers for review and approval.

While efforts are afoot to secure land for installing the seismic stations, SRC has ordered the equipment and made payment to the manufacturer for manufacture of the seismic monitoring equipment required for the network/system.

13/04/2026

Modernizing Saint Lucia’s Energy Future – Our National Geothermal Bill Update

As part of the RESDP, the GOSL is making significant strides in modernizing the national legal and regulatory framework for clean energy. A key highlight of this initiative is the update of our draft Geothermal Resource Development Bill (2012), which aims to create a stable, home-grown energy foundation to reduce reliance on expensive imported fuels and lower electricity costs for all Saint Lucians.

This updated legislation will be designed to ensure national energy security by establishing clear rules for resource ownership and investment. Crucially, the Bill integrates rigorous environmental and social safeguards to protect the island’s natural heritage, including the Pitons Management Area, and ensures that local communities directly benefit from geothermal development such as the introduction of "direct-use" applications like agro-processing and wellness tourism in addition to renewable energy for electricity.

To support this transition, the OECS GEOBUILD have contracted consultants Partnership International, Inc. and Arthur John Armstrong, P.C. (PI-AJA) to serve as an advisory team. This advisory team is working closely with national stakeholders to develop drafting instructions for the Bill.

13/04/2026

25/03/2026

Click the link below to read the inspiring story of Miss Shurpal, a proud beneficiary of the STEM Scholarship Programme.

Through her journey, see how access to education and opportunity is helping to shape her future while contributing to the development of Saint Lucia’s energy workforce.

Special thanks to the Communications Team at the World Bank for capturing and sharing this featured story.



https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2026/03/06/how-a-stem-scholarship-is-strengthening-saint-lucia-s-energy-workforce #

17/03/2026

At the RESDP's Kids Corner, our young minds explored the exciting world of renewable energy!

Through fun, interactive activities, the kids learned the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources.

It’s inspiring to see the next generation becoming more aware of how their choices can impact the environment. Small lessons today are shaping big, sustainable futures tomorrow! 💚