Dominica PM gives updates on the progress of 10-MW geothermal project

Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit (source: Caribbean Community / flickr, Creative Commons)

During his 2022-2023 budget presentation, Dominica Prime Minister Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit provided several updates on the ongoing works in the geothermal project being built on the Carribean country. The project, being developed by the Dominica Geothermal Development Company, is planned for a 10-MW capacity and is located in the village of Laudat in Roseau Valley. We had previously published another update on this project.

PM Skerrit mentioned that Dominica had already signed a $33.7-million contract with the Iceland Drilling Company to drill two additional wells, as we had also reported. The actual drilling work will be done towards the end of 2022. Meanwhile, the well pads and access roads are being built by ACE engineering under an $8.5-million contract.

After drilling and testing the well, the project will move forward with the construction of the power plant. No contractor has been signed for this yet, but the preliminary designs for the power plant have already been completed. Signing of the commercial agreement and start of construction is planned to be done within this year. The construction period is expected to last 18 months with target commissioning of the power plant by 2024.

Two contracts valued at $2.5 million have been awarded for the preparatory work for the construction of the transmission  network from Roseau Valey to Fond Cole and Sugar Loaf. This will make it possible to supply power from both the geothermal power plants and hydro power plants to the rest of Dominica. The work will also involve upgrading the transmission lines from 11 kV to 33 kV and 69 kV to reduce line losses and make them more resilient to harsh climate events.

“I say to our young people that the investments that we are making in the development of our geothermal resources if for them – a future Dominica with high-paying job and careers in the areas of geological sciences, geothermal energy, project management, mechanical, industrial, and electrical engineering” said PM Skerrit, emphasizing how geothermal provides economic benefits as well.

Source: Associates Times