Dominica is transforming itself quickly into a climate resilient nation which will be supported 100% by the renewable energy with its Geothermal Power Plant by the year 2030.
Reportedly, the Nature Island is upgrading its transmission network between Laudat and Fond Colé. The Roseau Valley lines will be placed underground for disaster resilience.
Dominica promises 100% electricity from Renewable Sources
The Geothermal Development Company is progressing and has confirmed the drilling of geothermal wells which was completed already in 2023. The federation is advancing rapidly on a 10-megawatt geothermal Power Plant with the extension of new transmission network. This project aims to lower electricity costs and boost the economic activity.
Considering this progress, Managing Director of Geothermal Power Plant – Fred John said that the country is committed to go 100% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. He said that they are anticipating to reduce the electricity prices to the consumer. They are also aiming to use the geothermal resources extensively to generate new economic activity for the country.
New Transmission Network from Laudat to Fond Colé
Furthermore, the new transmission network is stretching from Laudat to Fond Colé will carry electricity at 33,000 and 69,000 volts. It is a significant upgrade carried out from the 11,000 volt system.
Fred John further mentioned that 100% of the Roseau Valley segment is being placed underground against the natural disasters. John added that conduits are being led for the power cables and fibre of the cables. This project will be completed by the end of the year and that’s important because they need it for the Geothermal Power Plant to come online.
Upcoming Roadwork between Shawford and Louisville
Managing Director Fred John announced the upcoming roadwork between Shawford and Louisville and cautioned people about short-term traffic disruptions. He also highlighted the installation of a UAE-funded battery storage system to ensure stable geothermal power supply.
He thanked the public for their patience during excavation works but urged them to stay alert, as the communities like Shawford and Louisville will face temporary traffic disruptions in the coming months.
Fred John said that they are going to start the work between the Shawford and Louisville very soon, as that part of the road is quite narrow. So, there is possibility that the residents might face some inconvenience coming.
Installation of UAE funded Battery Energy Storage System
Besides the Geothermal Power Plant, Dominica is also installing a battery energy storage system at Fond Colé which is funded by the UAE and Government of Dominica to ensure a stable supply, once the geothermal power becomes online.
According to Fred John, the battery will pick up the load and will hold it for one hour until Dominica will be able to restore the supply. The new geothermal plant will add 10MW to the grid and will push the renewable energy generation beyond 75%.
By 2030, Dominica aims to reshape its energy sector with geothermal project from Laudat to Fond Colé. After getting complete, it will make Dominica the second country in the Eastern Caribbean after Guadeloupe to operate a geothermal power plant.