Geothermal project in Dominica progressing “quicker than expected”—report
Dominica is one step closer to becoming the world’s first climate-resilient nation as its geothermal plant advances to the next stage of its much-awaited completion.
In a report by Dominica News Online, the country’s energy minister has shared that the geothermal plant has met its goal of completing the well “for backup production” ahead of schedule.
“It’s a very exciting time for us that we have gotten to this stage quicker than expected,” said Minister for Energy Dr Vince Henderson, who visited the Geothermal Development Project in Laudat this week. “It was estimated that it would take 47 days, but it took them 37 days to get to this point.”
Henderson disclosed that the plant has enough wells “to be able to construct a 10-megawatt power plant.”
With the nearing completion of the plant, the energy minister hopes that the electricity/energy problem can be solved right here, “these wells we have already drilled.”
“We can provide power to meet all of our demands, and with an increase, even with an international airport and new hotels, we can generate at least 20 megawatts from what we have already drilled,” Henderson said.
The geothermal plant is expected to “reduce the cost of electricity for consumers and provide electricity to the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, which in turn will encourage foreign exchange,” said the government of Dominica.
Over 25 million dollars have been invested in this project to date, with the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme funding it, along with some donor agencies.
The CBI programme has been Dominica’s lifeline to fund essential projects aligned with its goal of resiliency and sustainability.
With the help of a private developing company, MMC Development Ltd., several housing and healthcare projects have been constructed throughout the island.
MMC Development Ltd. has been working closely with the Government of Dominica to build back better after Typhoon Erika ravished the island.