The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved a multi-million Euro loan to the Dominica Geothermal Energy Corporation. The geothermal power plant, with a capacity of 10 megawatts of energy, will supply the needs of around 8,000 homes.
Electricity rates in Dominica are among the most expensive in the world. The country's energy needs are provided by generators which consume fossil fuel oil. This source covers between 80% and 90% of the country's needs. Hydroelectricity provides the rest.
For more than a year, rotating power outages have been part of the daily life of the island's inhabitants. Drought and technical problems have compromised the hydroelectric sector.
Breakdowns of generators and problems with the supply of fossil fuel oil have also created problems for consumers and traders on the island.
Today, these outdated systems are unable to provide optimal capacities of around 28 megawatts.
This new geothermal power plant is expected to strengthen Dominica’s energy security and reduce production costs.
Construction of the Dominica geothermal power plant is expected to begin in early 2025.
The structure would be operational in 2026. The power plant will be located in Laudat, a village located at an altitude of 592m, near the capital Roseau.
The small plant, the first of its kind to be built in Dominica, will provide 10 megawatts of electricity. This is enough to power around 8,000 homes.
According to experts, Dominica has geothermal resources, an inexhaustible green energy, to produce 120 megawatts of energy. This is a production potential 50 times greater than current energy demand.
The project is financed by the GeoSmart Initiative of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).
The objective is to help the countries of the OECS, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, to realize their potential in geothermal energy production.
The government of Dominica also signed a contract with the American company, Ormat Technologies Inc for the operation and maintenance of the plant.
Ormat Technologies Inc owns 60% of Societé Geothermie de Bouillante in Guadeloupe.
The Guadeloupe geothermal power plant, made up of 2 production units, has an overall capacity of 15.5 megawatts.
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