Dominica government signs contract for geothermal drilling to commence

Eight weeks ago, the government of Dominica announced its schedule to move, within the next few months, to another stage in the implementation of its ongoing geothermal development project.

One of numerous hot springs in Dominica's lush landscape

Yesterday another project milestone was achieved, with the signing of the contract to commence drilling of exploratory geothermal wells in the Roseau Valley.

The drilling will be carried out by an Iceland-based company.

At the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit noted that the geothermal project will boost the country’s economic situation, help narrow the economic gap in the country.

“This project, we believe can serve as a serious platform to addressing a number of challenges in the economy because clearly Dominica cannot compete with countries with fossil fuel products,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Energy Minister Rayburn Blackmoore says government is spending too much money on energy generation and he reiterated that utilisation of the country’s geothermal resource is the way Dominica should go if it is to satisfy its energy needs in the long-run.

The energy minister had previously confirmed that the long-term geothermal development goal is to construct a 120 MegaWatt power plant and a submarine transmission system to sell green electricity to the French islands Martinique (to the south of Dominica) and Guadeloupe (north).

Source: Dominica News Online