Roseau, Dominica: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy hosted the Dominica Geothermal Global Partners Conference.
It was held in collaboration with IRINA (International Renewable Energy Agency) under the theme “Enabling Dominica’s Transition and 100% Renewable Energy before 2030.”
The representatives of IRINA (International Renewable Energy Agency), the United Nations, the United States and the World Bank reassured their support towards the project.
Notably, the project aims to mobilize the resources for the growth and development of Dominica.
Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit said that geothermal energy exploration is a grueling and ideas task. He added the government pursued this because it was necessary to consider the long-term benefits which outweigh the downsides.
Moreover, he emphasized the roadblocks that came in the way in the form of hurricanes, storms, geo-political upheavals and procurement challenges. The cost connected to it is also astronomical. However, the success is very astonishing to be seen.
“ It is also not easy being the first, a pioneer of such in the region.” quoted Roosevelt Skeritt.
Furthermore, he shed light on how it is going to be the source of revenue for the people and country through the sale of excess energy to the neighboring countries. Also, he laid stress on the two completed additional geothermal wells.
Adding to it, he emphasized the completion of two additional geothermal wells this year and the construction of a 10-megawatt power plant in Laudat as well as the building of a new high-capacity transmission network which is anticipated to be initiated.
He even highlighted that the investment done on this has been taken 45% by the government of Dominica. Prime Minister emphasized that 55% of its funding comes in the form of infrastructure grants and technical assistance from the partners.
“ These latest developments and our incremental successes over the past decade. A due in large measure to the generosity of our international partners.” stated PM Roosevelt Skerrit
Besides the PM, Vince Henderson, Minister for Energy also emphasised on the cost and the significance this project holds, adding the project costs whopping $60 million for this project.
He also shed light on the challenges that energy has gone through in the last years. Due to this, the government was bound to put forward this project over a decade.
Despite all the setbacks the regime faced during Tropical Storm Erica, and Hurricane Maria; the government was conscious of the need for this project to be completed for the sustainable development of the nation which is not an easy task to be completed.
“But we are pursuing geothermal energy because we believe it has the potential to transform Dominica,” said the Energy Minister.
Significantly, he stated that the country is blessed as it has the geothermal potential that can meet and surpass the demand, helping to create new industries and exporting power.
Anglina Byron, developed a deep-seated passion for journalism. Anglina is recognized for her tenacity, strength, and unwavering commitment to delivering honest and reliable news across the Caribbean. She covers general affairs of the region.
