Construction of Dominica’s 10-megawatt geothermal power plant is advancing steadily, with the project set to become the second of its kind in the Eastern Caribbean and the first in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade, and Energy, Dr. Vince Henderson, confirmed that the plant is on schedule to be completed by December 25, 2025.

Dr. Henderson reported that significant progress has been made, with most of the equipment now on-site, following the recent arrival of a vessel carrying essential materials. The geothermal plant is located in Laudat, nestled in the Roseau Valley, and will harness the island’s volcanic energy to provide clean, reliable power to approximately 23,000 households. The project, led by the Dominica Geothermal Development Company (DGDC), a public-private partnership, aims to reduce the island’s dependence on fossil fuels.

The geothermal project is also a key component of the OECS Decade of Action for Sustainable Energy Development, a regional initiative aiming to ensure that at least 30% of the electricity in the region comes from renewable sources by 2035. The OECS, supported by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), is also helping other member states, including Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, to explore and develop geothermal energy.

Major milestones have already been reached in the construction of the Laudat plant. Dr. Henderson highlighted the successful installation of a large cooling system and a metal frame, marking the completion of some of the plant’s heaviest components. Amir Junger, project manager for Ormat Technologies Inc., the company responsible for building and operating the plant, detailed the installation of air coolers and the pouring of the foundation as key steps in the process.

The geothermal plant will use underground steam and hot water to generate electricity, providing a renewable energy source with minimal environmental impact. The steam drives turbines, and the cooled water is reinjected into the ground to maintain the reservoir’s pressure.

Despite challenges posed by rainy weather, the project remains on schedule. Efforts are being made to ensure the integration of the plant into the national grid, with ongoing collaboration with Dominica Electricity Services Limited (Domlec) and Indian company Kalpataru Projects International Development Company, which is building the transmission network.

This geothermal plant represents a significant investment in Dominica’s renewable energy future, with support from international partners like the World Bank and the CDB. It underscores the island’s commitment to sustainable energy development.

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