The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Commission has successfully concluded a strategic technical mission to Europe in a move to strengthen geothermal partnerships.
Represented by the OECS GEOBUILD Programme, the delegation embarked on a high-level study tour across the Azores and Canary Islands last month and presented at the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2026.
Supported by the European Union Global Gateway Euroclima programme, the mission aimed to bridge the gap between European technological innovations and the Caribbean’s specific energy requirements. Dr. Ernie Stapleton, GEOBUILD Project Manager, was included in the delegation to help accelerate geothermal deployment through global partnerships.
The tour offered the delegation a look at the logistical and operational abilities of island-based geothermal systems, including:
- Drilling techniques and power plant management with volcanic landscapes.
- Analysing frameworks for maintenance, monitoring and institutional knowledge building.
- Investigating geothermal applications beyond the grid.
- Developing strategies to integrate renewable energy into isolated small-island grids.
The GEOBUILD programme participated in numerous global panels in Gran Canaria during the mission. The International Geothermal Association also invited GEOBUILD to an exclusive ‘Geothermal Policy Lab: Aligning governance for geothermal deployment in island contexts’ which focused on streamlined pathways for resource discovery, ecological protection and community engagement, and financial models to the unique scale of Small Island Developing States.
Dr. Stapleton said, “To unlock the geothermal potential of the Eastern Caribbean, we must implement fit-for-purpose regulatory frameworks and innovative financing that reflect our unique island realities. Regional collaboration remains our strongest tool for ensuring energy security and climate resilience.”