Member of Parliament for the Roseau Valley constituency Dr. Colin McIntyre has expressed excitement at the prospect of geothermal exploration in the constituency.
All three test wells that are currently being constructed for the purpose of exploration are in the Roseau Valley and the Minister believes that the constituents will reap significant rewards from the works.
Mc Intyre said, “In the Roseau Valley, we are excited about this project. It provides an opportunity not only in terms of lowering the cost of electricity which is something of significance to the island but in terms of job opportunities to the people of the Roseau Valley and the tourism.”
He pointed out that one of the main reasons for the exploration was to control the cost of electricity on the island and in so doing attract greater investment that will bolster a number of industries in Dominica.
“The three sites happen to be in the Roseau Valley in Wotten Waven and Laudat and if we were not exploring, there’s no way we can know the true potential of it and this is what the Government has tried to do with a view to attract more investors. The cost of energy is one of the biggest factors in attracting investors and fossil fuels prices are sky rocketing and we have no control of the cost of energy, but this is something that can change that,” he stated.
He concluded, “Once we can tap into the resource we can control the cost of electricity because even the cost associated with it are high initially, it will be cheaper in the long term.”
If exploited correctly, geothermal energy could certainly assume an important role in the energy balance of Dominica.
Get the people on your side Dr., by being upfront and identifying possible consequences:
* air quality and water pollution
* thermal and chemical pollution
* subsidence
* noise
* well blow-outs
* social and economic problems
* archeological and cultural conflicts
* solid waste disposal
Provide assurances that all possible procedures are utilized to ensure that detrimental effects are kept within acceptable limits.
Exploitation of geothermal energy does have an impact on the environment, but there is no doubt that it is one of the least polluting forms of energy.
The only thing we need to fear is fear itself.
Isn’t it strange that with almost identical terrain and topography as Dominica, and with all their availability of capital, that the French refuse to build geo-thermal plants in Martinique and Guadeloupe? They are known to take great risks, and they are all honorable men. Do they know something we don’t?
Great idea for Dominica, but please keep in mind that geothermal plant construction can adversely affect land stability. Subsidence has occurred in the Wairakei field in New Zealand. Enhanced geothermal systems can trigger earthquakes as part of hydraulic fracturing. The project in Basel, Switzerland was suspended because more than 10,000 seismic events measuring up to 3.4 on the Richter Scale occurred over the first 6 days of water injection.
Let’s reap the benefits, as long as we are aware of potential consequences, full speed ahead!
I really wish it will bring down electricity. But i see domlec; instead of going hydro, they went diesel and we have one of the highest electricity prices. Taxes on the energy being supplied to consumers might just not make it that beneficial.
High taxes are what making energy cost so high..
But i will be optimistic because our people need cheaper energy
The MOST IMPORTANT aspect of fulfilling low cost electricity rates is to PUT IT CLEARLY IN THE CONTRACT with Dumlec.
We understand Dumlec have been asked by Gov’t to partner in this….woh… who would have thought. Put what you are saying in contract to lower rates. Euginia would have, so don’t mess this up for us because it will take D/a long years to recover from badly written contracts on our behalf as our Gov’t.
the people did not realise what agood man they let down.Iam proud of you and the constituence you are developing.keep up the good work bro.Iwish you too had dual citizenship.It took a man with d.citi.to lift us up
A positive step in the right direction. Hope its not just talk. If anywhere has potential for geothermal then Dominica has it. So lets get on with it. Green clean energy. I say it will be another feather in our cap as the nature island.
You see, I like when politicians making statements to me, that they explain things in clear terms that even a baby could understand.
I am all for geothermal if it will benefit the poor malaway of the country. So many times these guys come telling people that if we sell the company, if we build more plants, if we sign alba etc etc etc, then electricity going to be cheaper. We still waiting.
What I want to hear in plain terms is that, for example right now the average malaway is paying an average of $100 a month, however if we build geothermal plants then the poor malaway will be paying $50 a month, boy I would do cart wheels.
But I swear to you that Dominica going to have geothermal and they still going to find all kinds of excuse as to why the average malaway’s electricity bill still way too high, with our 365 rivers and all.
Since when last has our political leaders found a way to make Dominica’s natural resources benefit Dominicans? All our cash cows in Dominica are owned by foreign entities.
Boy, you see things like that does get me vex for the little country of ours there you know…
I watchin’ still!!!
SIGN OF A GOVERNMENT WORKING,CAN ANYONE DOUBT THE POSITIVE EFFECT OF GEO,PA LA…..ROAD WILL FIX IN TIME ,,ALL IN TIME
I sometimes wonder what is the matter with us Dominicans. If it were a political issue all those haters would comment. Where are the comments. DNO to keep yuor readership put one sensational story every week. Do like those who will fabricate a story.
Hoping we don’t stop there. Hope we look into wind, more solar, upgraded hydro power and maybe even bio diesel.
Every time i bust a skyte is just energy going down the toilet.
Sorry, but I don’t believe crap is part of it. Maybe if you could produce vegetable oil that could be useful. Then the bi product can be used in the manufacture of soap for your consumption.
Congrats Mr. Minister
fix our road doctar
Colin is that a recent pic, Garcon u age alot. Wow
keep up the good work for your constituency. Make time for some sulphur baths to help with that fast ageing.
Wait, did u actually say Collin age fast?? give me a break. where have you been? Collin is 55 and looking dam good for it too..Pure hater
Plus two (2) years, some people never reveal their true identity and age, what is there to hate family?