The Caribbean region stands on the brink of a new era of renewable energy, spearheaded by Dominica’s ambitious geothermal project. Dominica is poised to make history as the first English-speaking island in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to operate a geothermal power station, with construction expected to be completed by late 2025.
Pioneering Geothermal Development in Dominica
In April 2023, a Geothermal Study Tour took place in Dominica, from the 3 to the 5, aimed at gathering insights from the Dominica Drilling Team. Participants included representatives from the OECS Commission and various member states. The tour’s objectives were multifaceted:
1. To glean lessons learned from Dominica’s geothermal exploration and drilling phases.
2. To understand the management aspects of drilling programs, including cost management, contracts, safety, and public awareness.
3. To build local capacity for geothermal drilling across member states.
4. To foster regional cooperation within the OECS.
The collaborative effort highlights the importance of shared knowledge as Dominica leads the way in geothermal energy development, providing a model for other Eastern Caribbean nations to follow.
Strategic Collaboration with New Zealand
In a significant stride towards building local capabilities in geothermal energy, the OECS Commission has partnered with the Aotearoa New Zealand-Caribbean Facility for Renewable Energy (FRENZ). This collaboration, supported by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade through its International Development Cooperation, will initiate a comprehensive analysis of geothermal energy skills and training needs within the region.
Dr. Ernie Stapleton, the GEOBUILD Project Manager, emphasized the urgency of this collaboration: “We must ensure our people have the skills and education to develop and manage these resources effectively. We cannot rely indefinitely on external expertise.” The six-month initiative aims to create a roadmap for sustainable capacity in geothermal energy, addressing workforce requirements throughout the development cycle—from initial exploration to power plant operations.
Building a Sustainable Ecosystem of Expertise
The initiative will emphasize the creation of an ecosystem of knowledge and expertise necessary for promoting geothermal energy across the OECS. Dr. Stapleton remarked, “This isn’t just about training individuals; it’s about creating sustainable capacity and fostering local talent who can engage effectively with geothermal projects.”
The framework will extend beyond technical skills to include project management, engineering, environmental monitoring, community engagement, and regulatory oversight—all important for the successful implementation of geothermal projects.
Alastair Brookes, Lead Advisor for FRENZ, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the partnership’s potential impact: “It is a pleasure to continue our working relationship with the OECS, building a foundation for a sustainable geothermal industry in the region.”
New Zealand’s Expertise in Geothermal Energy
New Zealand brings over 60 years of geothermal expertise, with twenty power plants generating approximately eight trillion watt-hours annually. The country’s extensive experience in geothermal energy has established it as a leader in the field and a vital partner for OECS nations.
The partnership with New Zealand under the FRENZ program aims to leverage this wealth of knowledge, identifying innovative ways to develop and maintain geothermal expertise across the islands. As the Caribbean region increasingly transitions to renewable energy sources, this capability becomes essential for independence from imported fossil fuels.
Looking Ahead
As Dominica progresses towards completing the first geothermal power plant in the independent OECS and CARICOM, the implications extend far beyond its borders. This initiative is set to help shape the energy landscape of the entire Eastern Caribbean.
The successful establishment of a geothermal energy sector in Dominica could serve as an inspiring model for other islands, and geothermal projects in various stages of completion. The possibility of job creation, enhanced energy security, and contributing to a sustainable future hinges on a commitment to renewable energy that resonates with the goals of sustainable development across the OECS.
more hot air on this geothermal issue. It’s been over a decade now. Soon the project will be old enough to vote if it isn’t already and yet we have nothing to show for it
stop being jealous of Roosevelt and get on with your life. The man has a lot to offer Dominica whilst you have nothing to offer but destroy everything that he proposes. You seem to be suffering from a mental disorder that keeps eating away at you like an old cancer. Your brains are made of sawdust and your mind is poisoned with lies and misinformation. A new year has begun and you continue to spew filth and garbage from your rusted mouth.
The government loudly proclaims that Dominica is poised to be the first English speaking country in the Caribbean to operate a geothermal power plant.
Dominicans are weary of the frequent bombast from this passport-selling republic which amounts to nothing. Boast when these grandiose projects are accomplished.
Roosevelt has recently crowed about having the longest cable car ride in the world, the best healthcare in CARICOM, the best CBI program. Anyone with just a modicum of common sense knows these are blatant lies.
My point is this. Verify before believing even ‘the’ or ‘a’ emanating from the lying mouths of this administration.
Roosevelt and Columbus are lying twins.
Nobody cares about you and what you say, Ibo. You are just a nuisance on DNO. The new year has just begun and everybody is already getting sick of your same sh… You have nothing to offer your country, so shut the hell out of here. Your commentaries fall on deaf ear, your geothermal bum.
Boss, do you realize that this article has nothing to do with Roosevelt Skerrit; that this is about an initiative by the OECS Commission with one of its friends?
I told you already that you need psychoanalysis. This obsession with another human is unnatural. Your head eh hedding! Use your gratuity check (whatever is left of it) to see a shrink.