As the project moves forward to a new phase, Dominica could observe the completion of its first geothermal power plant by December 2025.
Recently, the Indian company Kalpataru Projects International Development Company inked a contract of US$38.9 million with Dominica Geothermal Development Company Ltd.
Dr Vince Henderson, the energy minister, clarified: “This company will be building 10 km of transmission line with substations commencing from Laudat into Fond Cole. That milestone makes us quite happy. The company has begun organising, and very soon, we will see actual activity on the ground so that the building can commence within the next several weeks.
Henderson said that work on preparing for the Laudat power plant had already started. A local business has received the groundwork contract.
Work on this project has advanced despite weather difficulties, he says.
Conflict in the Middle East has also held down the geothermal project, as Dr Henderson pointed out, as access to personnel and equipment has been hampered.
However, the energy minister notes that by this October, all equipment for the powerhouse will be on the island, and construction on Dominica’s first 10-megawatt reactor will start.
December 2025 is the completion date selected.
The government of Dominica inked an agreement with Ormat Technologies Inc. of Nevada, USA, to finance the building of the plant and run and maintain it for 25 years.
According to Dr Henderson, the project is on track; if it goes according to plan, the plant will be running by early 2026.
