Letting off steam: How Dominica's volcanoes will boost its green energy

Dominica, a stunning Caribbean island known for its lush rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls, and active volcanoes, is making strides towards a greener future. Last year, the island welcomed 83,966 visitors, thanks in part to new direct flights from the United States and the opening of additional hotels. Often referred to as the 'Nature Island,' Dominica is recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017. The government is now focused on harnessing the island's natural resources to produce clean energy for its 66,000 residents and the tourism industry. To reduce the country's long-standing dependence on diesel generators, a geothermal power plant is currently under construction in the southern region of Dominica. This innovative facility will tap into steam from natural underground reservoirs heated by volcanic rock. The 10-megawatt power plant, located near the village of Laudat in the picturesque Roseau Valley, is expected to be operational by the end of this year. The process involves drawing steam to the surface to power turbines that generate electricity. After the steam is used, it will be cooled and transformed back into water, which will then be reinjected underground to continue the cycle. Dr. Vince Henderson, Dominica's energy minister, expressed optimism about the project, stating, 'We hope to totally eliminate the need for diesel generation for electricity in Dominica by 2030. ' The government also anticipates that the geothermal plant will lead to lower electricity bills for residents. Furthermore, there are plans to export surplus electricity to neighboring islands through undersea cables. Dr. Henderson hopes that the success of this geothermal initiative will encourage other Caribbean nations to explore renewable energy options. Dominica's geothermal plant will be only the second of its kind in the Caribbean, following a 15-megawatt facility in Guadeloupe that has been operational for three decades. The Roseau Valley project is a collaboration between the Dominican government and Ormat Technologies, a US-Israeli renewable energy company. The project is estimated to cost tens of millions of US dollars, with funding coming from various governments, including the US, UK, Japan, and New Zealand, as well as support from non-governmental organizations and loans from the World Bank and the Caribbean Development Bank. The Dominican government has also invested significant resources into the project, which has involved high upfront costs and a complex exploration process, including deep drilling to test temperatures. Ormat's chief executive, Doron Blachar, emphasized the challenges of finding the geothermal resource and constructing the facility, stating, 'Finding the resource is the first challenge. Then you need someone like us to build the facility. ' Ormat has been designing and building renewable energy systems for over fifty years and operates geothermal plants in various countries across the Americas and Africa. Blachar explained, 'Geothermal is a great, zero-emission electricity that doesn't depend on wind or sun, and operates 24/7. ' He also highlighted the job opportunities created by the project, both during construction and in the plant's ongoing operations, along with the introduction of new technology and expertise. However, the geothermal project has raised concerns among some local residents, including environmentalist Atherton Martin, who fears the impact on the ecologically sensitive Roseau Valley. Martin noted that the removal of vegetation during the exploration process has harmed local wildlife, including endemic frog species. Additionally, some residents have expressed concerns about the project's costs, with the Dominican government reportedly investing around $15 million. Dr. Henderson acknowledged the difficulties faced by the country, particularly in rebuilding its electricity network after Hurricane Maria, but he remains confident that the geothermal plant will ultimately be beneficial. Another common concern regarding geothermal plants is the potential for triggering earthquakes. Ormat has stated that it has never experienced such incidents in its extensive operations. Blachar believes that the Caribbean has the potential to become a hub for geothermal technology. Ormat acquired Guadeloupe's plant from the French government in 2017 and is currently expanding it to increase its capacity to 25 megawatts. With support from the Caribbean Development Bank and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, efforts are also underway to explore and develop geothermal potential in other volcanic island nations, including Grenada, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Vincent and the Grenadines. Ormat will operate the Dominica plant for twenty years before transferring it to the state electricity provider, Domlec. Blachar estimates that the plant will create around thirty local jobs when it becomes operational later this year. It is expected to generate enough power to meet half of Dominica's peak electricity demand, according to Fred John, managing director of the government-owned Dominica Geothermal Development Company, which is also involved in the project. Authorities are optimistic that the plant will eventually provide enough electricity for the entire country and have surplus power available for export to neighboring islands. John stated that the facility will serve as a test case for an attractive alternative to fossil fuels, adding, 'The rest of the OECS will benefit from the lessons learned here – both what worked and what didn't. ' The OECS has set a target to achieve 30% renewable energy within the next ten years, with some countries, including Dominica and St Kitts, aiming for 100% by that time. Dr. Didacus Jules, OECS Director General, described Dominica's geothermal project as a 'bold and visionary step. ' He emphasized that transitioning to green energy is essential for the region, which heavily relies on imported fossil fuels. This development also revitalizes the long-held vision of a regional energy grid that connects the islands through clean, reliable, and affordable energy.