Dominica: An official ceremony was observed to commission 89kW grid-tied Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital, as a major step towards energy efficiency, climate resilience and sustainable healthcare. This new installation supports the energy needs of the hospital to strengthen the foundation of the health services by ensuring more reliable and cost-effective power for critical care.
The ceremony was attended by the senior government officials, OECS representatives, Direct Relief, DOMLEC, hospital leadership, engineers, contractors and healthcare professionals.
Speakers there highlighted the critical need for reliable, affordable energy in hospitals and praised the benefits of the project, by reducing energy costs, improved energy security and environmental sustainability.
The project is funded directly by the OECS Commission and granted US $250,000, making the initiative possible. The project was inspired by a 2023 ministerial visit to Direct Relief’s conference in Puerto Rico. The newly commissioned solar PV system advances Dominica’s goal of becoming the first climate-resilient nation and supports the national target of providing 100% renewable energy by 2030.
Minister for Health – Cassanni Laville described the project as a strategic investment that will support the institution. He stated that, the installation and commissioning of this project will provide them with a strategic advantage as accreditation bodies are increasingly emphasising energy efficiency and green infrastructure as part of their various assessments.
The new solar PV array is installed to reduce monthly energy expenditure while improving the hospital’s ability to maintain essential services during periods of high demand. Officials say that the upgrade will also assist with long-term operational planning, particularly as the health sector integrates more technology-driven systems.
Hospital administrators welcomed the project and noted that energy costs remain a substantial part of their operating budget. They expect that the savings generated from the system will support other priorities, including patient services, equipment modernisation and resilience planning.
The Ministry of Health has highlighted additional moves to incorporate renewable energy and improved environmental management across health facilities islandwide. While details on upcoming installations have not yet been announced, officials affirmed that the goal is to create a network of health institutions that operate with stronger energy security and reduced vulnerability to fluctuate electricity prices.
The commissioning of the solar PV system forms part of broader efforts to equip the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital with modern infrastructure following the years of expansion and upgrades. It also aligns with Dominica’s ongoing push toward cleaner energy solutions across public institutions.