Two additional wells to be drilled in Geothermal project of Dominica

Dominica: The Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica - Roosevelt Skerrit, in a statement this week, informed that the work got fastened over the past year on the Geothermal Development Project in the Roseau Valley.

While providing an update on the geothermal project, PM Skerrit also noted that the construction of two additional wells in Laudat has also been started.

In relation to the drilling of these wells and with the financial and technical support of the World Bank, the Dominican government has been able to conduct five (5) procurements recently, which are valued at over US $13 million (XCD35.1 million).

"This includes the civil works for access roads and well pads, for which a contract of $ 9 million was granted to ACE Engineering Ltd., in the month of May 2021," the Prime Minister further added.

To build the 10 MW plant, PM Skerrit informed that the Dominican government is at an advanced stage for selecting an Engineering Procurement and Construction - EPC contractor.

Following the statement, he further informed that for the construction of the power plant, it is expected that the government would arrive to conclude negotiations by the end of September, this year and then shortly would issue a notice to proceed with the construction, which would probably take 18 months after the notice has been given.

Higher voltage transmission lines would be required for transferring the power from the geothermal power plant in Laudat to the main load centres in Fond Cole and Sugar Loaf, and to develop this new network, the Dominican government is working closely with DOMLEC and the Independent Regulatory Commission.

The Prime Minister further added that these new transmission lines would also add up to a more resilient electricity network by providing redundancy for transmitting power from the existing hydro stations in the Roseau Valley.

"The progress that the Dominican government wants on this project would not be possible without the support and cooperation of the people of the Roseau Valley," the Prime Minister added.

While concluding the update on the geothermal project, PM Skerrit appreciated the efforts of the World Bank and many friendly governments.