Sugarcane farmers across the region have been suffering in recent times, given the low price of sugar on the international market. The possibility of growing high-fibre sugarcane as an energy crop holds some attraction to the agriculture sector. Biodigesters have been used for decades in many parts of the world and offer a way of effectively treating animal and human sewage, as well as waste from the agro-processing industry (breweries and distilleries). Energy crops, such as napier grass and sugarcane, can also be used, offering a cleaner alternative to cogeneration that ensures the vital nutrients are returned to the ground rather than being combusted. Development of this resource in Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Nevis, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines is currently being explored and could dramatically alter the energy balance of these islands - and even the Caribbean as a whole if regional grid interconnections are developed to enable renewable energy exports. Currently, no CARICOM state has developed geothermal power (Guadeloupe has operated geothermal plants since 1986 - now up to 15MW, with plans for more capacity).