The CEO of DOMLEC, Ian Ramrattan, revealed that Dominica will be able to utilize renewable energy fully by 2030. He said the country has been succeeding with geothermal energy, and that the IRC has promised to release 4.5 megawatts of solar PV to boost electricity production in Dominica. He said electricity officials are working round the clock to ensure the viability of the project before kickstarting it for the benefit of the nation.
During a tour of the PADU power station in Trafalgar with media practitioners, Ramrattan explained that it is possible for DOMLEC to realize 10 MW of geothermal and 4.5 MW of solar power as well as 5-6 MW of hydropower in the next two years. He said that based on the foregoing, it is realizable that complete renewable energy for clean power is obtained by 2030.
He disclosed that by mid-October, DOMLEC will have finished installing the necessary pipelines and other infrastructure needed to fast-track the power generation. With the destruction of the PADU power plant during Hurricane Maria in 2017, Ramrattan said DOMLEC commenced reconstruction which included the turbine house with the generator, rebuilding the Ravine Fond bridge, adding new pipes to Penstock, and necessary diversion estimated to cost EC$8 million.
Our peak before Hurricane Maria was about 18, if we bring in 10 megawatts that will bring us closer to the full renewable energy generation. So I think it is very doable, but it will take a lot of work planning, working together, DOMLEC, Government and other stakeholders, regulators and other agencies to have that done.
Dave Stamp, General Manager of DOMLEC
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