Recent power interruptions across Dominica are part of the essential preparation work for integrating geothermal energy into the national electricity grid, according to energy officials. The temporary outages, which have affected homes and businesses, are linked to testing and commissioning activities connected to the country's transition to geothermal power.
The Dominica Geothermal Development Company (DGDC) has been carrying out testing and commissioning activities to ensure that Dominica Electricity Services Limited's (DOMLEC) electrical system is fully prepared to receive power from the new geothermal plant. The plant, located in Laudat, is now commercially operational, having begun commercial operations at the end of July.
Key stakeholders in the project include the Government of Dominica, the DGDC, the Geothermal Power Company of Dominica (GPCD), a local subsidiary of Ormat Technologies Inc. responsible for building, owning, and operating the 10 MW geothermal power plant under a 25-year agreement, and DOMLEC, the national electricity utility. Kalpataru Projects International Limited (KPIL) has been contracted by the Government to construct the transmission system, which will be managed and operated by DOMLEC once completed.
DOMLEC's Public Relations Officer, Ms. Ayeola George, explained that customers have experienced temporary power interruptions due to the ongoing process of integrating the new geothermal generation into the national electricity system. During the commissioning period, there were some islandwide outages due to transmission-related issues and interconnection challenges, which have since been resolved. Ms. George also noted that some outages were related to faults on DOMLEC's system due to internal issues and external factors such as vegetation and animal contact with lines.
Unlike solar and wind energy, geothermal power is available around the clock. Because the Earth's internal heat is continuously replenished, geothermal energy provides a dependable, renewable source of electricity that is not affected by sunshine, rainfall, or changing weather conditions. Dominica's unique volcanic landscape makes it one of the few Caribbean islands with significant geothermal potential, positioning the country as a regional leader in renewable energy.
Engineers must conduct extensive testing to ensure the entire electrical system can safely and efficiently accommodate the new source of power. These activities sometimes require temporary interruptions to electricity supply while equipment is inspected, upgraded, calibrated, and synchronized. Utility officials emphasize that these outages are part of ensuring the long-term stability and safety of the country's electricity network. Similar commissioning and testing exercises are standard practice around the world whenever major power infrastructure is introduced or upgraded.
Ms. George said Dominicans are already seeing tangible results of the geothermal project. Geothermal energy has reduced the country's dependence on imported diesel fuel, which means greater protection from fluctuations in international fuel prices. There have been reduced emissions, and the fuel component of customers' electricity bills has been reducing over time. Geothermal generation has significantly contributed to Dominica's energy supply.
Introducing geothermal power requires careful coordination between generation facilities, substations, transformers, transmission lines, protection systems, and customer connections. Testing allows engineers to identify and resolve any technical issues before geothermal electricity becomes fully operational. By carrying out these checks now, Dominica is investing in a stronger and more resilient electricity system that will better serve homes, businesses, hospitals, schools, and other essential public services.
