Dominica on track for geothermal plant by 2014

Prime Minister Skerrit predicts Dominicans could be using and exporting electricity from geothermal energy in two years.

ROSEAU, Dominica, Thursday, July 26, 2012 – The Dominica government is exploring the possibility of constructing a geothermal plant in the Roseau Valley in keeping with a policy of developing a carbon negative economy by the year 2020.

And, Dominica could have a geothermal power plant in operation by 2014 Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has told parliament.

This, after EU-funded feasibility studies have concluded that Dominica has the largest geothermal potential in the Caribbean.

“As a first step in implementing this policy, we have commenced the process of negotiation for building a 10 to 15 megawatt geothermal plant within two to three years,” the Prime Minister stated.

At present, 70 percent of the island’s electricity is dependent on the importation and use of diesel fuel.

Skerrit told the Parliament that the electricity generated from the geothermal plant will be used exclusively to augment the domestic supply.

“One study conducted in January of this year, concluded that such a geothermal plant could result in a reduction of electricity bills by 45 to 50 percent,” he noted.
The plant could also provide renewable energy to neighbouring islands.

Bidding to select a company to build the geothermal plant in Dominica is tentatively scheduled for the second half of next year. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)