Geothermal initiative gets thumbs up

A geothermal production well in the Roseau Valley
A geothermal production well in the Roseau Valley

Dominica’s geothermal energy thrust is getting positive reviews.

The review came from Trinidad and Tobago’s (TnT) Minister of Planning and Sustainable Development, Dr. Bhoendradatt Tewarie.

As a matter of fact, the Minister is calling the project an ambitious and doable one.

“I note that Dominica is going to make geothermal energy, that is a very good initiative,” he said while addressing the Annual General Meeting of the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (DAIC) at the Fort Young Hotel on Wednesday night. “This is an ambitious project but it is doable.”

He commended the island for transforming its volcanic nature into renewable energy.

“So here you are in Dominica trying to use the fact that you are a volcanic island with the potential for geothermal energy and you are trying to make something and do something and make something happen,” he noted.

Tewarie remarked that the initiative can be a success if managed properly.

“If you succeed with this, and you will succeed if you manage it well, this will make a big difference in development,” he stated. “It will make a big difference in energy terms and it will make a big difference in development terms and it will make also a big difference in the perception of the world about you and what you are capable of.”

The government has spend over $50-million on exploring the island’s geothermal potential.

Last month, Energy Minister Ian Douglas said that a draft Geothermal Bill, which will govern the exploration, development and exploitation of power that will be generated from the country’s geothermal resources, is nearing completion.

He stated that it is ready to be taken to cabinet for “final blessing,” adding that the geothermal program is well on its way.

Douglas said a construction of a small geothermal plant is to begin by 2017.

In 2012 former Energy Minister, Rayburn Blackmoore, had said construction of the plant would begin in the first quarter of 2013.

Also in 2012, Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, told parliament that Dominica could have a geothermal power plant in operation by 2014.

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13 Comments

  1. April 27, 2015

    But facts it seems you are a geniass have u seen his qualifications how can u be so sure.

  2. April 24, 2015

    This island once called The Nature Island of the Caribbean is no longer that, this Geothermal plant is not environment friendly this is polluting the atmosphere, money make the devil dance this is what taking place in DA right now all the natural heritage and beauty of the island are being destroy by this admin, Botanical Garden turn health centre, Hotel to be construct in the North of the island, houses to be constructed for Chinese, what a shame Only in Dominica

  3. Anthony P. Ismael
    April 24, 2015

    “In 2012 former Energy Minister, Rayburn Blackmoore, had said construction of the plant would begin in the first quarter of 2013.”

    “Also in 2012, Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, told parliament that Dominica could have a geothermal power plant in operation by 2014.”

    I want to be optimistic, but just like the new hospital, I’m not sure what to believe. Examining these two statements above in quotation marks causes further confusion instead of clarification. Another empty statement made by a visiting political hack.

    At least he did not discourage us from moving forward with this venture, then lobby for his own upon returning home like “Ralphy Boy from St. Vincent.”

    :-P :-P :-P :-P :-P :-P :-P :-P :-P :-P :-P

  4. odinn
    April 24, 2015

    Go Dominica on the geothermal development! When in operation the geothermal power plant and export of green energy will significantly increase the GDP. The whole infrastructure will benefit from the revenue and the money made by allowing development of this valuable resource.

  5. george Fontaine
    April 23, 2015

    This statement has no value at all. This is a foreign politician speaking at a meeting and praising a venture without any argument but to say that it is “ambitious and doable”….

    • The Facts
      April 23, 2015

      Based on your mentality you chose to criticize him. He knows about geothermal energy. How much do you know?
      He has a positive nature. His position is not to criticize but to also provide encouragement and give it his blessings. For a D/can where is yours?
      When it is complete, you will be one of the recipients who will enjoy lower rates.
      You cannot even wish your government good luck on this one. So what type of patriotic national are you?

      • joe
        April 24, 2015

        Thank you The Facts, my sentiment exactly!!!!!

    • Frank Talker
      April 27, 2015

      Senator Dr the Honourable Bhoendradatt Tewarie is the Minister of Planning and Sustainable Development in T&T. He served as the first Chairman of the Council for Competitiveness and Innovation in T&T and, at another time, as Chairman of the Fiscal Committee for Petroleum and Natural Gas Industry Investment. He once held the portfolio of Minister of Industry, Enterprise and Tourism. Dr. Tewarie was executive Director of the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business from 1992 to 2001, after which Minister Tewarie became the Pro Vice Chancellor and campus Principal of UWI St Augustine. He achieved BA, MA and PhD at US Universities. He is extensively published.

  6. kalinago
    April 23, 2015

    It might take a next decade, let’s wait and see and note as the tnt minister said “if managed properly”. I am still being optimistic.

    • The Facts
      April 23, 2015

      You have every right to be. It will take time to be fully completed and operable. D/cans must have patience.

  7. jury
    April 23, 2015

    Commendation and encouragement from a serious and credible source. Get on with the project and let Dominica reap the benefits from this vast resource.

  8. Lang Mama
    April 23, 2015

    DNO you guys are late – the project is now called Laba Ka fen Geo Turmoil – wooosh.

  9. April 23, 2015

    Mr Douglas find partners and build a big one not a small one supply the french island with power so we can pay the investers back and give Dominicans cheap power. Stop thinking like a begging peasant , think like a business man and not a politician or s slave. Change the way you think , one shut my friend please I beg you get it right the first time. Stop making the same mistakes every Black leader mskes all over the world in politics. Doing things that does make sense, mistakes after mistakes, I say it out of love for my people.

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