EDITOR’S NOTE: Below is a response from the Government of Dominica concerning media reports that Electricite de France (EdF) has pulled out of Dominica’s geothermal project.
Over the past six months, the Government of Dominica and Electricite de France (EdF) and NGE, a French infrastructural development company, made significant progress on the terms of an agreement for the development of Dominica’s geothermal resource.
In January of 2013, both parties entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly pursue the best options for the construction of a plant for domestic supply and for export to Guadeloupe and Martinique via undersea cable.
EdF is the sole electricity company in Guadeloupe and Martinique and has the technical and financial capacities, track record and reputation to work with the Government of Dominica to implement the project and is therefore a natural partner of choice for the development of Dominica’s geothermal energy.
EMERA, a Canadian utility which has recently purchased DOMLEC, the Utility on Dominica, has also expressed an interest in participating in the project and discussions will continue with them as well. The process is being led by a team, appointed by the Government of Dominica, under the chairmanship of Ambassador Vince Henderson.
The Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI), since June of 2012, has been the main advisor to the Government and the Team.
In light of the publications of reports that EdF is reviewing its involvement in the project, discussions with EdF-NGE, the Government of France and other interested parties are ongoing.
It is expected that over the next several weeks, a determination will be made on the best way forward for the development of Dominica’s geothermal resource, for the benefit of the people of Dominica primarily, and the people Guadeloupe and Martinique by extension.
The Government negotiating team advised by the CCI will continue to represent the Government in negotiations with all parties.
So how did this company EMERA. Get in the game. Can the government tell us who is EMERA never heard of them being in the geo fe ma but all of a sudden we hearing about EMERA. When you give monkey a gun to hold what do you expect but chaos and carnage.
Let s see them Bame the opposition for selling DOMLEC
Please read this: NEXANT Report pages 39-51 on Dominica and Energy Policy: http://www.ecpamericas.org/data/files/Initiatives/lccc_caribbean/LCCC_Report_Final_May2012.pdf
Still, the Government of Dominica does not address the issue at hand, which is EdF is pulling out. The authorities in Martinique have decisively expressed their concerns on this very specific issue. The Govt of Dominica’s says nothing about the reported pull out of EdF in its press release. We are strill left asking questions about the participation of EdF.
It is unfortunate that when supporters of the UWP express dissatisfaction with the manner the Geothermal project is being handled, certain people chose to call us mischievous and haters.We will not be deterred in our belief, either by a peeping tom or a cyclope.
My Dominican people – please do not be so quick to look at everything from a political lens. Also, please do not be so quick to either accept or reject an idea without knowing all the information. This proposed geothermal plant should ultimately be a business decision, which means that there should be an extensive analysis for the pros and cons. Financial benefits vs. environmental impact. Benefits to the whole vs. a few. I am so tired of reading comments on DNO where people express that because it is an initiative of the ruling party, then it must be good. Not saying that it is not, but to blindly follow a politician is to risk your own future. Politicians will ultimately do whatever they think will benefit themselves in the long run.
we were told that a petrol refinery would give DOMINICAN cheaper gas that has not happened
we were told that a petrol refinery…do we have a refinery…some people just write so that other people can call them idiots
Where is the petrol refinery in Dominica?
The fact is the incompetent labour Party Gov’t has refused to make available to the public the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA), which would inform us about the benefits/ disadvantages/advantages, the impact on our fragile environment, effect on neighbouring communities re. relocation, risks involved and mitigation tasks and so forth.
Where is the EIA Report? It is the EIA report which determines whether the geothermal project is more to the country’s benefit. It is that EIA Report, if done honestly, with no strings attached, that should tell us whether the people would be better or worse off. So where is the EIA? DNO is the EIA available to you and the Press in general? If so, publish the main areas, that would be beneficial to us all.
The geothermal project is being mis-managed. Who were the first to receive about $2,000,000.00 in legal fees et al, even before anything else?
But what is mind-boggling, Govt. chose a few people from the valley to visit a geothermal plant, in operation, in Guadeloupe. But the project is also about producing and selling geothermal energy to Gwada.
It seems, it would be less-risky for us in Dominica, no environmental problems, no re-location of whole communities, and just buy energy from Gwada? What is your thought?
Would EDF and other French agencies not work towards cheaper, cleaner energy from geothermal exploration in those neighbouring French departments and sell to Dominica? The other way around? Something is amiss. Real Information is scarce. Is like finding a needle in a haystack.
The Government has made available the EIA for over one month now on its website. Go to http://www.dominica.gov.dm and look for it under the running ticker ”Latest News” on the left.
a million euro very viable then the Government should open it up to the diaspora for the equity
The approach by government continues to show that the best interest of the people remains at the heart of the Roosevelt Skerrit administration. This project is not no pie in the sky fly by night project. It is one in which the people of Dominica stands to benefit tremendously and this governemnt will ensure that the PEOPLE benefit.
As states in the budget of 2012/2013 research has showed that a geothermal plant could result in the reduction of electricity bills by 45 to 50 percent. “It took this government to move boldly and take the risk and provide the resources to examine the feasibility or generating electricity from this “geothermal energy”. Over $20 million later, and after drilling three test wells, we have managed to confirm that there is indeed an exploitable geothermal resource in the Roseau Valley that can produce electricity.”
Forward ever backward never. Long live geothermal, long live LABOUR!!!!
Sometimes I wonder are we Dominican? This project is not a Labour Party Ministers benefit project. This is a project for the people of this country. Lower electricity rates, increased revenue for the country. But trust people to come and be happy if the project is in trouble. If the french want to pull out no worries, there are many other people who would be happy to come forward and assist.
it would wonderfull if dominica could produce somethine; the problem is not into if it s good or not it s a mather of having different songs, when you read what s on dno and what can be eared elswhere you wonder if it s the same project.a little more transparancy would help. in martinique it is said that the regionnal concil sent a message to the french president to express it s regrest concerning tohe pulling out. so when i read about MOU being implemented; i say somebody is taking somebodies for a ride
Agreed Flambeau but for a project of that magnitude it would have been useful to have buyers in the neighborhing islands.This is not only for the income it would generate to the country but also because nobody knows today if a smaller power plant for our own needs only is economically feasible.
I’m glad that the Government is tackling the situation right on hand.
i live in martinique and the news on local regional station is that EDF is pulling out of that geothermal business because it s not viable
Ok. Now we have all sides of this story. hmmmm…..my take?
1. Project will be a good one for the entire country 2. I will pay less for electricity
3. The country will make money by selling electricity.
4. It’s an investment in ‘clean’ inexpensive energy.
5. It would be homegrown. The country could save millions by reducing dependence on foreign oil.
If the EIA is the issue here, I think one should be conducted and the report released and it would make even the staunchest opponent see the untold power the lies in this project.
Appreciate the promised update DNO.
Hope this deal can be sealed.
This is another Labour Party Failyour…My pple stand stroug with us there is more to come…u put us there we will do as we want and when we want,,The labour party will continue to fail but u will suport us nevwer the less,i thank u…
Pm Skerit…
???? ooook den
Thank you for the update, DNO.
Thank you also to the government for this press release. It is insufficient. We need to know more. However, it is a start. Please continue to keep the public informed. We expect nothing less.
On we go with this project!
“The project is not viable” says EDF, business partners in the project,and experts in this business who has the expertise to know that! It does not matter who joins the venture and who leaves. We need a cost to benefits analysis. Have anyone seen the viability report for this project? While we have been told over and over that we may have extra power to sell to Martinique and Guadeloupe, we have not been told the projected annual operating cost and what capacity we may need to break even and then go into profits – that is what viability is about! A simple thing like running and maintaining the cables to Guadeloupe and Martinique – what is the projected cost of this element?
EDF is a global player in the utilities industry. Under the name EDF Energy they, for instance are leading suppliers of electricity (including the operation of nuclear power plants)and natural gas in the U.K. Any suggestion that we chose them as a a suitable partner rather than the other way round would be absurd.
They are the sole electricity supplier in Guadeloupe and Martinique,and I would like the Govt. to tell us what alternative client for our geothermal energy they have in mind if not EDF.
The statement that EDF is reviewing its involvement in our project holds little water as it does not explain why the regional president for Gudeluope and Martinique wrote to the French president protestesting the decision by the chairman of EDF in France to withdraw ( the french word used is “retrait”) from the project for the construction of a geothermal plant in Dominica.
I am sure that, if we succeed in getting this enterprise operational EDF would be happy to discuss obtaining supplies from us but for the moment that is all.
Meanwhile, why don’t we proceed with a smaller power plant, as originally envisaged, say 15-25 MW., to meet our own needs first, make that work and then contemplate a scale-up. That, to me would be the sensible approach and nobody would “lose face” with such a decision.
What taking
all you “know it all’s” so much time to comment now nuh?
I was hoping it wasn’t true that EDF pulled out. Now I am happy that even if it is, there is some hope for the geothermal plans. This project could transform Dominica.
Thanks for the update DNO
Comprehensive first article and now we get another side.
Interesting developments. Keep us informed.
While I’m no energy expert, but I don’t take what anyone says for fact. I like to do some of my own research.
I think it will be sad if the EDF decides to pull out of the talks, however I am happy that there are other suitable partners.
Based on what I’ve read and the arguments on all sides, I agree that geothermal is the way to go.
I’m looking forward to the job creation and higher standard of living this programme promises.
Dominica needs a programme of this magnitude to set us on that path of development that sometimes I believe will continue to remain just a dream.
there has been a lot of talk of geothermal energy over the past few weeks and i think it would do us all well to learn as much as we can about what is happening.
i for one, am happy that all is not lost because at the end of the day, we in the valley want what i think all us dominicans want – to pay less for electricity.
if we can get that AND do the whole reducing dependence on fossil fuels then even better yet.
let the negotiations continue
This makes sense.
I think it shows that even if EDF withdraws, there is hope because there are other partners.
It’s an interesting development and it will be even more interesting to see what happens in the coming weeks.
MOU enco!
Damage control….how long? not long..
I hope the CCI has advised that ALL hands should be on the table if they are to advise.
The fundamental problem here is with the CCI. CCI has no track record or for that matter historical knowledge of geothermal power development that they can point to. What qualifies them to be in the position that they are at the moment. My humble opinion is that this for profit entity of the Clinton Foundation is only looking to make a quick buck at Dominica’s expense.
The government of Dominica needs to hire an Owners Engineer that understands the development of geothermal power plants to be in their corner. How can you be going after a project of such magnitude blindfolded! This is crazy. It seems to me this project is being deliberately structured to keep the Government and the people of Dominica ignorant of the process – btw where is the EIA for the production wells?
The Governemnt of Dominica is involved in the negotiations. How can it then be ignorant of what’s going on? You don’t make sense.
from what iv overstand this geothermal project is being explored realy for the benefit the french islands, france is working for its intrest and only a percentage will go to the people of Dominica.
we must not forgot the history of HAITIEN people their ccountry was know as the pearl of the auntilles france saw haiti then as a gem until hatien say NO to slavery, the rest is history france made that country cut down all its forest to pay back for its freedoom
This Project is dusted and dead deal.
Dominica should look for another means of Energy
Wind Turbines would be a better option.
These folks have realised the topography of the area is too risky for that type of project!
Anyone down for my version of the Story.. oK den read bellow.
So obvious what happened.. EDF chose oil/gas (Golbal warming agents) over geothermal Green energy. End of story ;) “no please continue” said the pretty little Lady.
This is so interesting to me. I feel a sigh of relief finally. It must be God, he watches over Dominica and no corrupt gov’t can spoil The Nature Isle of the Caribbean. “….Say it louder”, she said. Ok! sure. NO CORRUPT GOVT CAN SPOIL THE NATURE ISLE OF THE CARIBBEAN.!!!
Alright serious now! My belief is this PPl We need to stand up to France & ECGP. The Windward islands don’t need no Pipeline running underneath the ocean just waiting for a disaster to strike. Wait, and who is responsible for an oil disaster, when a hurricane breaks that pipe.? Oh Its Hurricane proof huh! really!! Who will clean up the entire Caribbean Sea when this disaster happens.
Again this is great news, This company would have cut some many corners in order to save cost, rip profits and destroy our island. The Dominica Gov’t should still pursue other investors… China has so much money that they dont know what to do with it. Lets look at Japan’s mitsubishi company who build The Costa Rican Geothermal plants. My one thing is that we need to be cautious, and dont feel let down because one reckless investor dropped you for more profitable and riskier avenues
I agree so much
great news
Based on how Corrupt this Labour Regime is these International Agencies wont consider them as Professionally and Ethically sound…
The Passport rings and scandals are world wide for These folks to see, they monitor the Governance of Dominica and notice the massive illegal Practices This Regime is conducting..
Unless the citizens don’t change the regime Dominica wont be Respected as a honest and clean In terms of process to Invest in…
Simple as that.
Based on how foolish you sound we will ignore this post.
I wish to thank DNO for bringing the facts to the people of Dominica. They cannot now say that it is the UWP party and the Patriots that sabatage their failed Geothemal development.
Continue gloating…do a couple cat wheels, a few back flip, jump up and down King Gearge V St
FOUL
What glee. What gloating. What joy. An announced project for Dominica appear to be facing certain challenges. For that some people are over the moon in their joy and pleasure. Anything that appears to be going wrong for Dominica is greeted with a round of applause by the “patriots and their friends”. That still will not stop the march, yes the march, forward movement to delivering geothermal power to Dominica. Scream your klungs out. It will happen with or without UWP support. 18 to 3 is long past their bed time
The UWPwee continues to do a good job of hanging itself, with its nauseating obsession with negativity and the destruction of one man. It is clear that it has not yet heard from the people, even its own supporters, that they are fed up of these antics. So, as shocking as their gloating is, it is actually the proverbial writing on the wall.
Doc. Love: “their failed Geothemal development”. How can you mention the word “patriots” and these four words in the same sentence? Do you not see the abject absurdity in your sentence? On whose side are the “patriots”, anyway?
Additionally, you have already called OUR geothermal project a “failed” project even before it has gotten full steam on the way. You doom it and curse it even before Dominicans can enjoy its benefits. Yet, you will also come here and ask us to vote for your party. On whose side are you, really?
Desperate politicking has finally made you reveal your true colours. Take the next pipwi to Bird Island!
I am on the side of a corruption-free Dominica.
You are not even on Dominica’s side, Doc. Love! You see, after those whom you call “corrupt” are long gone, this project will still serve Dominica. Now, if you curse it and damn it and shoot it down and all who work with it even before it gets under way, how are you helping Dominica to benefit from it? And, how are you helping to secure our economic survival? So you see, you are not even helping Dominica. I am sure that you know this but you are so full of hate and mischief that you cannot even see the harm that you are wishing for yourself and your kind. Doc.Love because your patriotism is poison! I do not even believe that those whom you call “patriots” support your delirious shrieks.
There is still something better that you can say….
Seriously Doc. Love?
What’s with the ‘their?’ Maybe when we start seeing how we as Dominicans stand to benefit and put country before party or politicians, we can, at least every now and again, embrace a project of such national significance, not as ‘theirs’ but ‘ours.’
You’re soooo right….because if the media did not do their job, we would not be able to give credit to the UWP, for thinking up the bright idea of selling the Govt’s shares to DOMLEC ; making life soooo EASY for us now…so how about you just close back the can of worms you opened and stick to the point…Now to respond to the part of your comment that made sense…yes DNO has done a great job in publishing the facts
It is people like you Doc.Love that gives emphasis to the word coonoomoonoo. The geothermal project is potential savior for the economy and people or Dominica. BUt just because if not all you blue bugs in government it is a bad idea. I would suggest that you just refrain from commenting on this project as clearly you are one of the ungrateful Dominicans.
this doesnt really say anything
Doesn’t really say “MUCH”