Geothermal exploration to begin in Dominica

Geothermal drilling rig. Geothermal energy is generated by heat stored beneath the earth's surface and therefore requires no purchase of fuel. (Photo: enex.is)

ROSEAU, Dominica, July 17, 2008 – The West Indies Power Dominica Limited (WIPD) has been granted a geothermal exploration and development licence in Dominica.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced that the Cabinet has agreed to issue the licence so that the company could develop the geothermal resources located in the southern part of the island.

“We are pleased that the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica has taken the decision to grant WIPD this license. The geothermal resources of Dominica will now be developed by a Caribbean company which is committed to generating reliable, low cost electricity, from a renewable resource to the people of Dominica and in a timely manner,” said Gregory de Gannes, Chairman of West Indies Power Holdings BV, the parent company of WIPD.

“As soon as the final paperwork is signed, West Indies Power (Dominica) Limited, shortly thereafter, will commence the necessary exploration and development work to harness and generate electricity so that the people of Dominica can enjoy the full benefits of the island’s latent geothermal resources,” he added.

Geothermal energy is generated by heat stored beneath the earth's surface and therefore requires no purchase of fuel.

Efforts have been ongoing throughout the Caribbean to harness this energy source as one of the means of reducing increasing fuel costs.