Of the numerous short streams that flow on Dominica, at least 30 might be sources of hydroelectric power on a small scale; about 50% of the power supply already comes from hydroelectric sources. In 1991, the Trafalgar Hydroelectric Power Station became operational, making the island nearly self-sufficient in energy. The island also has thermal power potential in the volcanic Boiling Lake, the temperature of which has been recorded in the range of 82–92°C (180–198°F). In 2000, 67 million kWh of electricity were produced, 47.8% from fossil fuels and 52.2% from hydropower. In the same year consumption was 62.3 million kWh. Total capacity was 19 MW.

Water Resources

The total annual production from all currently used water sources is estimated at 16.6 million m3. Only 40% of the consumers are metered and no accurate figure for actual usage exists. It is estimated that an additional 4.1 million m3 are needed to serve the whole population adequately. There are no demand figures of commercial or industrial uses. Some sources have been identified by the Ministry of Agriculture for irrigated agricultural development.

Irrigation and drainage development

There is a considerable potential for irrigated agriculture in Dominica, but the country has practically no irrigation. In fact, there are only small systems where farmers grow vegetables (watermelons, carrots, tomatoes, cabbages, etc.). These systems are usually fed by surface water.

The Dominica Banana Growers Association (DBMC) is the central authority which manages banana production and marketing in the island and provides essential services to the farmers including export. Although there has been much talk of growing bananas under irrigation over recent years, no concrete efforts have been made to do so. Indications are that average yield could be significantly improved if irrigation were practised. Areas like Calabishi and Marigot, which are considered prime banana areas because of the soil type, tend to suffer from drought and could benefit significantly from irrigation. Banana is the major crop in the island in terms of area and covered about 3 500 ha in 1998.

An additional benefit of irrigation is that the national banana production target could be realized from a more reduced area. As a consequence, steep hillside areas which are currently planted to rainfed bananas could be released from arable land and put under tree crops or agro-forestry, uses more consistent with good conservation practice. The DBMC is also interested in promoting crop diversification among its banana farmers.

Institutional environment

The Dominica Water and Sewerage Company (DOWASCO) is the sole organization responsible for the management of the water resources in the country. DOWASCO is a private company, incorporated by an Act of Parliament. It has an exclusive licence, granted by the Minister of Communication and Works, to abstract and utilize the water resources of the country. It is charged with the development of the resource and for any research, data collection, projection and maintenance and development of new sources. This licence was granted in 1989 for 25 years. Anyone else wishing to distribute water must therefore get a sub-licence from DOWASCO. This organization has no obligation to develop or provide water for agriculture.

Trends in water resources management

The Warner Area consists of some 120 ha and is considered to be one of the most important potential sites for the promotion of irrigated crop production. A plan for the development of the area, including an irrigation scheme, is being prepared. Water should come from the Café or Soul ton Rivers.

Geothermal Energy

Although geothermal resources are abundant on several of the islands, apart from Guadeloupe which has a 4.5 MWe binary plant, geothermal development is still in the early stages for several reasons:

1. Geothermal development is not a priority in the energy policies of the island governments. Traditionally, the islands have depended on diesel generation, with the exceptions of Dominica and St.Vincent which use hydroelectric power.

2. None of the countries have geothermal laws; many do not have laws for the regulation of the electricity sector in particular.

3. Limited financing and the high cost of geothermal exploration has held back the projects in the feasibility stage.

4. There are no economic incentives for geothermal development.

5. The population, and consequently the markets, of the islands are small.

• Dominica has an estimated 1,390 MWe of geothermal power potential. Geothermal

development is important as a substitute for diesel generation and to supply Dominica’s increasing base load demand.

• The French institute of geological investigations and mines, Bureau deRecherches Géologiques et Minières (BRGM), began the first integrated exploration of Dominica’s geothermal resources in 1977, identifying three areas of interest: Watten Waven, Boiling Lake, and Soufrière.

• 13th March 2008, Government launched a 250 Million Euro Geothermal Project titled

“Preparations of a geo-thermal based cross border electrical interconnection in the Caribbean.”