Environmentalist Athie Martin makes alternative suggestions to a Geothermal plant in Roseau Valley

​Environmentalist and Former Agriculture Minister Atherton Martin thanks the World Bank for its generous donation of US $17 Million dollars, for the development of a geothermal plant in Dominica, but has some other ideas. Karlene Francis, the bank’s Operations Officer, said geothermal energy is consistent with the government’s plan for making Dominica the first climate resilient country in the world.
 
The government has already announced plans to establish a 7-megawatt geothermal plant that is estimated to cost US$40-million. At the launch of the Climate Resilience Execution Agency for Dominica (CREAD) on Friday she said, “The bank is also working with the Dominica Geothermal Development Company to prepare a geothermal risk mitigation project.”
 
She stated such a plant will replace diesel generation and reduce electricity cost in Dominica, adding that geothermal energy is very resilient.
 
However, speaking on Q95 FM Radio on Tuesday, Martin emphasized his views concerning the establishment of that type of plant, based on reports previously established by former government administrations. Martin added that he has not seen any document detailing the government’s strategy to develop the country’s resilience.

​Environmentalist & Fmr Agriculture Minister, Atherton Martin.