Roseau, Dominica: Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, shared the details of the Geothermal Global Partners conference organized in Dominica on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy hosted the Dominica Geothermal Global Partners Conference earlier this week under the theme ”Enabling Dominica’s Transition and 100% Renewable Energy before 2030”.
Minister Skerrit emphasizes that Representatives of the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRINA) and the United States reaffirmed support for Dominica’s geothermal energy project.
Participants also toured the Laudat geothermal energy site and the Portsmouth Sugar Loaf Power Station.
The Government of Dominica drilled two additional wells last year to operate the planned 10MW power plant in Laudat. A new high-capacity transmission network is also on the cards for construction.
On Tuesday, October 10, Dominican Energy Minister Vince Henderson reported that the Project costs about $60 million. He explained that Tropical Storm Erica and Hurricane Maria caused massive damage to the Project and caused significant loss of life and property.
Minister Henderson stated that after Tropical Storm Erica, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit remained committed to the Project’s development and announced $15 million for its speedy recovery.
Despite initial setbacks, the government of Dominica continue to make significant developments in this Project. In 2020, they developed a new roadmap for this geothermal Project, increasing the capacity of the planned 7-megawatt to 10 megawatts.
Energy Minister Henderson acknowledged that Dominica had received $12 million from its international partners to redesign this geothermal Project.
Two new wells were constructed as part of the contemporary design: one production and one injection well. Both were drilled close to each other, aiming to enhance the efficiency of the Project.
Energy Minister Vince Henderson appreciated the individuals involved in this Project for the progress made so far.
He emphasized that despite the challenges, the Dominican Government remained committed to developing geothermal energy and meeting the country’s energy demands, prioritizing climate conservation.
He acknowledged hydropower’s limitations and global warming’s impact on Dominica’s freshwater lakes. In previous years, a significant decrease in water levels has been observed.
Minister Henderson explained that Geothermal energy is the solution to fulfil the country’s energy requirements without harming the environment.
