Dominica’s Minister for Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security Dr Irving McIntyre has said the Caribbean island “must fully explore its geothermal potential” after it commenced first production this year from a debut 10 MW power plant.
Ormat Technologies confirmed the start-up of Dominica’s geothermal power plant in its recent Q2 filings, but McIntyre noted in a budget speech on 4th August that the facility is now approaching full commercial operation after passing reliability testing.
During the first three months of commercial operation, he said the Independent Regulatory Commission will monitor geothermal performance and its effect on consumer electricity costs.
He also said this milestone shows the project is moving beyond “early commissioning difficulties,” without elaborating any further on what challenges were faced.
“As steady geothermal generation is integrated with the strengthened transmission system, it should reduce pressure on diesel generation and help limit generation-related outages,” he said.
“It will not eliminate every interruption, as distribution faults, maintenance and extreme weather will still matter, but it should make the electricity system more stable and resilient.”
Crucially, McIntyre was bullish about the project and its potential to propel other geothermal energy ventures.
“There are endless opportunities to be had from this resource including export of energy and conversion to other products.”
With this in mind, he noted, the government is “actively investigating” other sources of geothermal energy in the country, including in the north, “while actively preparing to expand its yield from the reservoirs in the Roseau Valley.”
Though geothermal will not cut energy bills overnight, he added, it will reduce exposure to imported fuel prices.
“Our investment in geothermal energy is, therefore, a strategic investment in energy security, economic resilience and Dominica’s ability to exercise greater control over its own development.”