Dominica: Dr Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of the commonwealth of Dominica, attended the launch of the construction for the new electricity transmission network. The event was hosted on Friday in the presence of a number of government officials.
The Prime Minister said that this is one of the final steps for the realization of the ten megawatt Geothermal Power Plant Project.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the journey for the realization of the power plant project was long but it was crucial. He was proud to announce that Dominica is leading the way in advancing renewable energy in the Caribbean.
Dominica has been dedicatedly working towards becoming the first ever climate resilient nation in the world. The nature isle is known for its resilience agenda and has been implementing several projects for climate resilience.
PM Skerrit was sure that the international community will be discussing and applauding Dominica for the way the nation has handled and responded to the natural disasters they faced. The Prime Minister has shared that the nation will also be recognized for the trailblazing policies being implementing and is on the cusp of implementing.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the project is part of the country’s resilience against Climate Change. Dr Roosevelt Skerrit appreciated the contributions made by the world bank in the success of the project.
Prime Minister Skerrit noted that World Bank has been very constructive. engaging, and sincere partners of the nation. The world bank has supported the commonwealth of Dominica in their resilience agenda.
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity for applauding the efforts of Dr Vince Henderson, who has worked hard on the Geothermal project. He went on to say, “I don’t think we can write the history of geothermal and not have several chapters referencing the contribution of Dr Henderson.”
The Prime Minister has applauded the dedication and commitment shown by the people of Dominica, who contributed to the realization of this project. He invited the youngsters of Dominicans on the island and abroad to lend their expertise t develop the country
Dr Roosvelt Skerrit highlighted that they are dedicated to the geothermal project. It is not because the administration is excited about it, or it is cheap or a pastime for them. The administration believes and is convicted that the project is important for the economic transformation of Dominica.
The Prime Minister said, “If we are going to address sustainable development and more investments, we have to ensure we have cheaper energy. Countries with manufacturing and tourism, which are doing well, are countries where energy is available at a reasonable price.”
He added that, “If you are going to compete internationally, you have to make sure energy prices make sense to an investor.” According to Prime Minister Skerrit, this is especially true for manufacturing and tourism enterprises.
Talking about the significance of the Geothermal Power Plant, PM Roosevelt Skerrit, the local consumers also pay high prices for power in the country. “This is because we are importing diesel for supply. This means that we are also importing inflation.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the prices are borne by the people because neither the government, nor the private sector providers can always subsidize the costs. This is why, the geothermal project is so important as it will allow the nation to meet its energy needs while reducing fiscal burdens and reliance on imports.
Dominica is set to complete its first geothermal power plant by December 2025. The officials have shared that the electricity transmission network will have transmission lines and substations.
These will help in making sure that the country can provide electricity generated through the Hydro Power and Geothermal Power through the Centre of Control of DOMLEC (Dominica Electricity Services Limited)