Support to the Development of Geothermal Energy

The objective of this project was to support the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica’s policy for the development of geothermal resources. In particular, it significantly increased the knowledge of the geothermal potential in Wotten Waven, allowing for a rapid start of an initial small power production aimed at the local market, preparing the concession to exploit this reservoir and monitoring the concessionaire’s operations initial investments.

The AFD-led project meant the final step towards the materialization of the potentially largest geothermal power plant in the Caribbean with an overall cost estimated at EUR 500­ – 600 million. Besides its sheer size, its impact will be local, regional and global. The product will be highly beneficial to Dominica's economy as well as to the one of Guadeloupe and Martinique. It will bring major benefits in terms of climate change mitigation by substituting fossil fuel-based energy production for clean renewable energy. It will also improve the islands' direct environment through increased regional cooperation.