Dominica’s exploration of its geothermal potential has reached another level with the completion of a production well at Laudat, according to minister for energy, Rayburn Blackmoore.
Blackmoore said last week the drilling of the well was completed on March 1.
“From our initial indications the prospects look very positive,” he said. “Of course based on the advice that we received, to produce energy from the well in any commercial prospective, we require a minimum of 180 degrees and based on our initial readings we have surpassed 235.”
According to him, the next phase is to actually shut down the well so that it can radiate more heat.
“This is being done now so we can allow the well to radiate more heat and within 12 weeks time we will reopen the wells to see any further development,” he explained. “I think that in itself is tremendous and essentially represents a significant step taking us to the next process. We have made reference to actually constructing a small plant by the end of 2015 and of course for production of energy for domestic use.”
Blackmoore stated that unlocking Dominica’s geothermal potential could significantly change the economy around.
“We have been talking about geothermal energy for a number of years, from since 1969, and it took this administration to realize that we can create an environment where the way of life of our people in this country can be uplifted,” he stated. “One will appreciate the important impact that an environment where we have lower energy cost, will have on the economy. In terms of actually enticing business, that makes sense to give jobs to our people and high energy costs impact every household and it impacts the economy. We have gotten to the point where we have started the process of unlocking the secrets in geothermal development.”
The drilling of the reinjection wells began in November 2013 in Trafalgar and Laudat. The Government intends to have a small production plant by 2015 with the hope of building a larger plant to export energy to neighboring islands.
Through an Environmental Impact Assessment the government has reassured the public that their health will not be affected by the plants. In addition, full compensation will be given to the individuals who were inconvenienced through use of their property.
This geothermal energy project should have been preceded by a comprehensive feasibility and environmental impact study. This peace-meal approach to development is wrong. Furthermore, the project is obviously a major threat to life and ecotourism activities in the valley. Its direct job creation impact is minimal. The way to go must be renewable energy through the development of hydro, wind and solar energy potential in abundance here. Thousands of jobs would have been created during development and maintenance for our youthful population, our economy would benefit tremendously, it would be compatible with our ecotourism thrust. This government do not understand the issues, it is only concern about the potential of making money through sale of energy to our French neighbours and cares little about the real threat to life, property and the economy as a whole.
We need an income generating venture besides tourism. This looks promising thus far.
Alba was suppose to give we the consumers a relief from high gas prizes.We are yet to benefit from that….
Blackmore is minister for Energy too! WTF! mister is the minster for plants, trees, Fig, dasheen, dumbway, callalou, roads, money and women. WTF!!
Geothermal energy provides low cost, reliable, environmentally friendly fuel; supplies thousands of quality jobs; boosts rural economies; increases tax bases; reduces foreign oil imports; stabilizes prices; and diversifies the fuel supply.
Unlike coal and natural gas, geothermal incurs no “hidden costs” such as land degradation, high air emissions, forced extinction and destruction of animals and plants, and health impacts to humans.
Keep it going PM and the Dominica Labour Party. As the motto states: “ALL SHALL EAT”
When I see the plant i will beleive. It’s Elction yr once more so the sweettalk start rolling off politicians tongue until elction day. after which they disappear for another 5 years. The government needs to become a doer and not just a talker around elction time.
Anonymous,
I respect your pessimistic position however in contrasts I am optimistic and even more so anxious about the realization of geothermal energy on our beloved nature island.
But let’s face it. Where have you been the last few years of the initial developmental stages? Was last year, the year before and the last few years’ election years? Much has been done towards the realization of geothermal energy throughout this governing term. Or is it just me? It seems every year is an election year in the land of beauty and splendor.
The next election is constitutionally due in 2015 unless otherwise informed. In the interim we should do what it takes to offer our support to any positive initiative towards the development of the county.
I blame DNO for their slow moderation on this topic because we all know that the commenters on here go well into the 100s some thing so positive as this we know all the patriots would have a lot to say cause its something good. WINK WINK.
We have now discovered our Gold!!!Dominica is indeed Blessed!!!
The Government intends to have a small production plant by 2015 with the hope of building a larger plant to export energy to neighbouring islands.
WAIT WAIT WAIT, You jumping the gun man Mr Blackmore. You are talking about exporting before local distribution.
Everything sounds like a joke whenever these jokers talk but the only thing is no one is laughing.
I am now a grown man and as a child water and electricity has always been cut without warning. Over 20 years and its still happening with Dowasco and Domlec. If these companies cannot even give people a proper service how are we to believe that this geothermal energy which is so much more complex going to reach homes anytime soon?
So only God knows why he is talking about exporting. Honestly Dominicans, I seriously think these fools thinks we are bigger fools? We are not and its time we challenge these fools Dominicans.
I trust my people will have the courage to do the right thing and get these Mouton Batalis out of our house.
Rise up my People and fight to protect your Future but most importantly your children and your grand children’s future.
Rise up my People
Maybe you don’t understand English. Please say it in patois Mr Blackmore , maybe he will understand. Rise up against what? Making Dominicans life better? You are the one that sounds like the joker to me.
“Blackmoore stated that unlocking Dominica’s geothermal potential could significantly change the economy around”
This is the hope that made us venture into geothermal in the first place. Nothing new to report, really.
Does Dominica have a qualified Chief Technical Officer, who is charged with such responsibility? Why Blackmore?
this can really change to country for the better. Dominica can thrive because of this business’ costs of operation will go down and they would be able to hire more. Peoples personal bill will go down making for a better standard of living. To me geothermal energy should be the no. 1 focus for government. Everything else can come after
that’s a good place to cook a jot, steam vegetables and wash clothes!
so after sifting through all the BS this new article makes me even more dumb founded at the governments approach to geothermal…”we require a minimum of 132 degrees and based on our initial readings we have surpassed 235.”
According to him the next phase is to actually shut down the well so that it can radiate more heat.” i think they need to listen to the calypso, -pause you just come-.. slow down govt. don’t rush into things you yourself don’t even have the expertise in your administration for.
Well done. Give Jack his jacket!