Transmission Network

Increasing Capacity and Output

New Transmission Network for the Geothermal Project

  • A new, resilient transmission network is needed to transport the electricity produced by the 10 MW geothermal plant in Laudat to DOMLEC’s 11 kV network. The existing 11 kV network is not capable of efficiently transmitting this power.
  • The new network will connect to DOMLEC’s three hydropower stations, two diesel power stations and a new substation along the West Coast.
  • The network is planned to operate at 69 kV and 33 kV levels and will be designed to support future growth of geothermal power and other renewable energy sources.

The Government of Dominica is sponsoring this project.
DOMLEC, Independent Regulatory Commission and the DGDC
are collaborating closely.

  • Government of Dominica (GoCD) will own the new transmission infrastructure

    • The asset will not be part of DOMLEC’s rate base
    • DOMLEC will operate and maintain the infrastructure
  • A lease/Operation and Maintenance agreement is being developed between DOMLEC and GoCD
    • The term of the agreement will coincide with DOMLEC’s transmission licence
    • The asset will revert to GoCD’s control upon expiration of the agreement
  • The Independent Regulatory Commission supports this approach

Components of the new Transmission Network

  • Construction of new 69 kV transmission lines:
    • from the Geothermal plant to Fond Colé (≈ 7.5 km)
    • from Fond Cole to Sugar Loaf (≈ 36 km)
  • Construction of new 33 kV transmission lines:
    • from Geothermal Plant to Fond Colé, through New Trafalgar and Padu hydro stations (≈ 8.4 km)
  • Construction of new substations:
    • Two 69/33/11 kV substations at Geothermal Power Plant and Fond Colé P.S.
    • Two 69/11 kV substations at Sugar Loaf P.S. and on the west coast
    • Two 33/11 kV substations at New Trafalgar P.S. and Padu P.S.