“I have committed Saint Lucia to obtaining 35 percent of our energy from sustainable and renewable sources by the year 2020,” he said.

Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony said recently that the development of the island’s energy resources will have a positive effect on the economy.

“We are confident that this year we can finally begin to tap into our vast geothermal resources, a concept we have been exploring as a nation for nearly 40 years,” he said. “The development of our energy resources will have a positive effect on our economy as we seek to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.”

Last year, World Bank representatives visited Saint Lucia to assess and evaluate the potential of the island’s geothermal facility. In September 2014, the World Bank approved US$2 million to contribute towards the first phase of geothermal development on the island which involved surface exploration and negotiations assistance.

Dr. Anthony said government is working assiduously to meet its set target for renewable energy for 2020.

“I have committed Saint Lucia to obtaining 35 percent of our energy from sustainable and renewable sources by the year 2020. That is now just five years away,” Dr. Anthony said. “It is an ambitious goal, but we are taking steps to achieving it.”

A number of initiatives have been spearheaded by the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Energy Science and Technology to achieve the government’s sustainable energy target for 2020.