Dominica, known as the “Nature Island” for its breathtaking natural landscapes, is embarking on an ambitious journey to harness its volcanic resources for renewable energy. Following a record influx of ecotourists and the recovery from Hurricane Maria’s devastation, the government of Dominica plans to build a geothermal power station in the Roseau Valley near Laudat, targeting a completion date by the end of this year. This initiative aims to end the country’s dependence on costly diesel generators by utilizing naturally heated underground water sources.
The geothermal plant will generate 10 megawatts of electricity by tapping steam from subterranean reservoirs. This steam will be used to drive turbines, and after its use, it will be cooled and re-injected underground for future cycles. Energy Minister Dr. Vince Henderson expressed hopes that Dominica could eliminate diesel usage by 2030 and reduce electricity bills while potentially exporting excess energy to neighboring islands through undersea cables.
With funding from various international organizations and governments, the geothermal project is a public-private partnership with US-Israeli company Ormat Technologies. This facility is only the second of its kind in the Caribbean—Guadeloupe being the first—and represents a major investment in renewable energy with expectations of creating jobs and technological advancements.
Despite its benefits, the project has sparked some controversy among local residents and environmentalists concerned about the ecological impact, particularly in the ecologically rich Roseau Valley. While Ormat’s operations have historically avoided serious environmental repercussions, fears about wildlife disruption and the project’s cost have been voiced.
Ormat plans to operate the facility for 20 years, after which it will hand over operations to Dominica’s state electricity provider, Domlec. Officials believe the plant can initially meet half of the peak electricity demand before scaling up to become a critical component of Dominica’s energy grid, while also setting a precedent for other countries in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The OECS aims for a transition to 30% renewable energy in the next decade, with certain countries pushing towards complete reliance on renewable sources.
Dr. Didacus Jules, OECS Director General, emphasized the urgent need for energy independency in the region, highlighting the geothermal project as a transformative step towards a comprehensive energy solution that could unify the Caribbean through clean energy.
