by Emmanuel H. Joseph
Government Information Service
Dominica continues to move ahead with its plans to develop the island’s geothermal energy potential. On Friday, 26th June, 2009, officials of the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, Ports and the Public Service, held a press conference to appraise the media on Government’s current plans.
The current energy development programme intends to sell at least forty megawatts of electricity each to Guadeloupe and Martinique and have about twenty megawatts to be reserved for the island.
It has been established, based on preliminary studies, that production of geothermal energy or electricity can begin in five years time. Government issued a geothermal resource licence to West Indies Power Ltd in July 2008 to exploit geothermal resources in Soufriere.
Part of the current Energy Development Programme
shown to members of the press on June 26, 2009
The ministry is reporting that initial investigations have started with encouraging results. An environmental impact assessment is in the process. Consultants visited Dominica in mid April this year and met with the Minister of Energy and other relevant public and private authorities as part of the assessment process. Plans are to begin test drilling later this year.
It is believed that with this project the cost of electricity will be reduced from twenty-seven (27) U.S cents per kilowatt hour to six (6) U.S cents per kilowatt hour, before fuel surcharge.
As part of the geothermal energy programme the Government is looking forward to have alternative energy legislation drafted. This will be done with consultancy support from the World Bank.
The National Energy Policy will articulate Government’s position with regards to the governance of the energy sector and shall provide guidance in areas such as regulation, pricing and taxation, safety and industry standards, tariffs, energy efficiency among other areas. |
