Dominica has reached a major milestone in its renewable-energy programme, becoming the first CARICOM country to generate electricity from its own geothermal resources.
The achievement was highlighted during the 2026/2027 Budget Address as Government pushes toward its longer-term ambition of generating 100 percent of the country’s electricity from renewable sources.
In June 2026, renewable energy accounted for 68 percent of electricity supplied by DOMLEC, with Geothermal energy contributing 43 percent, while hydroelectricity provided another 25 percent.
Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre described the breakthrough as a fundamental step toward greater national energy independence.
“Power from Dominican soil must power Dominican progress,” he asserted.
The geothermal plant has now passed reliability testing and is approaching full commercial operation. During the first three months of commercial operation, the Independent Regulatory Commission will monitor its performance and assess the real-world impact on consumer electricity prices.
Government has also upgraded the transmission network through substations at Padu, Trafalgar and Fond Cole and approximately 19 kilometres of high-voltage transmission lines. However, the administration is already looking beyond the existing project.
Officials are investigating other geothermal prospects, including possible resources in northern Dominica, while looking at ways to increase output from the Roseau Valley reservoirs.
McIntyre acknowledged that geothermal generation will not immediately eliminate every component of consumers’ electricity bills but said it should reduce exposure to fluctuating international fuel prices.
