Martinique plans geothermal cooling network

MARTINIQUE: A French consortium is behind a geothermal energy project to establish a cooling distribution network on the Caribbean island of Martinique.

The group, comprising Storengy, TLS Géothermics and Engie Solutions, will supply a cooling distribution network to include air conditioning for the Fort de France, Martinique’s largest town.

Engie subsidiary Storengy, a company experienced in the underground storage of natural gas, and geothermal specialist TLS Geothermics have filed a research permit to explore the subsoil and the potential of geothermal energy. Storengy’s teams will be responsible for working on and managing the underground part of the project, in conjunction with TLS Geothermics, as well as managing the associated drilling. Engie Solutions is bringing its expertise in heating and cooling networks to the project.

The geothermal water will be used to power an absorption refrigeration unit for cold production, or to meet heating needs.

Interest in geothermal energy in the Caribbean is growing. This month, the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica unveiled plans to complete the construction of a new geothermal plant by 2023. The construction of two wells has begun and plans for a 10MW plant are expected to be completed by the end of September.

The project will also provide electricity to the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique.

The World Bank has also approved a US$21.9m grant to enable Saint Lucia to assess the viability of the island’s geothermal resources for power generation.