A Conceptual Model for Geothermal Energy Investigation with Emphasis on the Caribbean

Some of the Caribbean islands have great potential for Geothermal Energy. These islands have been formed partially by the subduction of the Atlantic Crustal plate beneath the Caribbean plate, forming volcanic island chains. The North-Eastern islands are older, extinct volcanoes while the Western arc contains younger more active volcanoes. These give rise to volcanic eruptions resulting in geothermal activity, lending huge potential for geothermal energy. The only operating geothermal plant in the Caribbean is at Bouillante in Guadeloupe with a 15 MW capacity. The island Governments of Dominica and Nevis have initiated exploration work for geothermal energy. Nevis has a potential of 700 MW and the Government is in the process of setting up a geothermal power plant to develop 24 MW of energy for domestic use as well as to sell to neighboring islands.
Geophysical surveys, resistivity and seismic, are being investigated to identify fault lines, thus enhancing the possibility of identification of hydrothermal systems. The use of shear-wave splitting (SWS) as a tool for identifying fractured reservoirs is also being investigated. A conceptual model is being developed with the view of better enabling the investigation of hydrothermal systems. This model would be able to describe the fractured density and orientation of the reservoir.