Site preparation ongoing for Dominica geothermal power plant construction

Drilling rig at Dominica (source: PM Roosevelt Skerrit)

Preparation of the construction site for the 10-MW geothermal power plant in Dominica is currently ongoing, and construction is expected to start by early 2025.

The progress of the Caribbean island nation’s first geothermal power project was announced by Dominica’s Minister of Energy Dr. Vince Henderson during an interview with state-owned Radio DBS. The Minister further added that the excavation of the site has been completed and that the arrival of power plant equipment is expected by the end of the year.

Before the end of 2023, the Government of Dominica signed an agreement with Ormat Technologies Inc. that will have Ormat finance the construction of the power plant, as well as operate and maintain it. After 25 years, ownership of the power plant and other associated assets will be transferred to the Government of Dominica.

Dr. Henderson also added that the construction of the transmission network to support the power plant is about to start. This phase of the project was awarded to a company from India following a tender announced back in mid-2023.

“75 percent of the lines will be on the ground, so that is also going to require some excavation. Fortunately, it will not be too disruptive in the communities, but we want to always ensure that we have safeguards for lives, livelihoods, and properties,” explained Dr. Henderson.

The Minister also gave assurance that a series of consultations will be done with nearby communities and that they will minimize disruption and ensure that lives and property will remain safe. He also called on the public to give all the support they can for the project.

Source: Dominica News Online