The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation in the Northern Marianas has awarded a geothermal exploration contract to multi national Maevelle Energy.
The joint venture with CNMI companies, will assess the geothermal resource potential on Saipan.
This potential has been previously highlighted but no progress has been made until now.
Heavily reliant on diesel for power generation, the CNMI struggles to maintain reasonable rates.
The project will be funded by grants the utility has received from the Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs.
