Geothermal project to lower electricity costs in Dominica

Dominica: Prime Minister of Dominica, Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit with Ambassador to US & OAS, H.E.Dr. Vince Henderson discussed on the launching of a geothermal plant in Dominica during his weekly show, Annou Pale.

Ambassador to US & OAS, H.E.Dr. Vince Henderson, who was preoccupied with the geothermal development company, reviving Dominica’s ambition by restoring renewable resources in the form of energy for prior utilization since January 2020.

Geothermal project is the only way to make Dominica, from Diesel generation into renewable energy.

In this weekly show, PM Skerrit discussed focusing on national development and enhancing Dominican foreign policies and geothermal negotiations.

On the other hand, the Geothermal development project is in its fundamental procedure. Still, the history of this project seems a disappointment as, In 2019, the tender was sent to the officials, and the funds were canceled by the World Bank. It made all the team members to analyze the rejection reason.

According to the officials, Risk involvement was the primary concern that made the plan of geothermal development on the verge of cancelation but the team of H.E. Dr. Vince Henderson was determined enough to start the project again.

In order to better analyze, Henderson & the team took advisory from Iceland and Italy, which was the turning point. With the help of grant money from the UK, the road map’s preparation is at its height, and it is developed to minimize the risk involved, reduce the cost of money, and accelerate the speed of work development.

Moreover, to upsurge the trade with french territories. Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit’s approval on the New Road Map gave the geothermal project to the advanced stage.

Talking about the site’s progress, Henderson said, ” we have a ready data of assessment and sufficient amount of quality and quantity of resources to make it viable commercially.”

According to Henderson, this geothermal plant has the potential to generate over twenty megawatts of electricity in the Roseau region while only twenty-six megawatts are generated from Hydro and diesel.

In this project, around 25 million dollars have been invested from local funds and CPI to invest more operational funds. The administration is looking forward to lander loans in the form of grants from the World Bank, UK, Caribbean Development Bank for the prior construction as the fundamental investment is paid by Dominica.

New Zealand also provided two million grants in this project, and the EU also aided in building this project.

This geothermal plant will be the first project related to sustainable energy in the Caribbean. As it is very costly and challenging to build with high authorities.

Consequently, this project will rectify the costs of electricity and aid in saving money consumed by these current generators (which will be half the consumers are using now). To revive Dominica’s economy, the geothermal plant will be the most beneficial project for the nation.

Besides the geothermal project, PM Skerrit discussed the benefits of the construction of the International Airport.

Henderson stated, ” Dominica is ready to witness foreign guests in this airport and will visit places like Secret Bay and other local locations that will revive the tourism sector.”

Click here for more news