Dominica government seeks approval for Geothermal Power Plant

The government of Dominica is looking to approach the parliament on Friday to seek approval for Minister of Finance, Dr Irving McIntyre to receive a guarantee from the National Bank of Dominica for EC$ 13.5 million, which will be utilized for the construction of a Geothermal Power Plant.

The government has established a project financing agreement with the Geothermal Power Company of Dominica, which is owned by Ormat Technologies Inc of Nevada. The funding, if approved and received, will cement these commitments towards the construction of the Geothermal Power Plant.

The agreement was a by-product of the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP 28 which was held in Dubai earlier this month. The overarching aim of the initiative is to reduce the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels, stabilize electricity rates and make use of the island’s geothermal potential in a meaningful manner.

The agreement has also established that the geothermal wells and power plant will be financed, constructed, run and maintained by Ormat Technologies Inc for 25 years. Having said that, Dominica will own the invested assets, including lands and wells.

The government of Dominica will also receive the acquired assets and the power plant upon the completion of the contract.

It has also been stated by government representatives that the Roseau Valley Geothermal Resource has the potential to support commercial operations and preparations are underway to facilitate the same.

Sources have also revealed that 10 megawatts of electricity can be generated in Laudat from the seven geothermal wells which have been drilled in Laudat, Trafalgar and Wotton Waven, to the north east of the capital city.

The power plant will be paired with a newly constructed, resilient and efficient electricity transmission network. This will facilitate a connection between the geothermal power plant, hydroelectric power plants and the national power grid between Roseau and Fondcole.

These improvements to the power generation mechanism of Dominica will help the nation meet its goals with regard to sustainability while also allowing for its energy demands to be met in a more practical and efficient manner.

Thus, with one eye on the future, the government of Dominica is looking to establish an energy generation system which will serve and benefit the country greatly in the times to come.