Resilience Boost Expected for National Grid as Dominica Eyes Renewable Energy Transition
ROSEAU, Dominica – Dominica Electricity Services Ltd. (DOMLEC) has announced that final testing and commissioning of its new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will take place from Wednesday, April 30 to Sunday, May 4, 2025, at its Fond Colé Power Plant. The project marks a critical advancement in Dominica’s energy resilience and sustainability roadmap.
The BESS, rated at 6MW/6MWh, is designed to stabilize the national electricity grid, reduce reliance on diesel generation, and enable smoother integration of renewable energy sources — notably in preparation for the island’s upcoming geothermal plant.
DOMLEC’s General Manager Dwayne Cenac expressed optimism about the project’s long-term impact.
“We are very excited about what this means for the future of energy on our island. The BESS will help improve system reliability, reduce diesel generation over time, and ultimately support a more stable electricity supply to our consumers,” Cenac said.
Testing-Related Interruptions Anticipated
While the testing phase may cause temporary service interruptions, DOMLEC has assured customers that the company is taking measures to minimize disruptions.
“This testing period may cause some inconvenience, but it is an essential step toward ensuring a stronger, more resilient electricity supply,” Cenac added.
Systems Engineer Richard Wilson further reinforced this message:
“Our team will carry out all testing activities with the utmost attention to safety and efficiency. We are committed to minimizing any impact on our customers during the commissioning period.”
Technical and Strategic Aspects
The BESS, manufactured by global tech leader Huawei, is situated on government-owned land between DOMLEC’s existing generating facilities in Fond Colé. The system will be operated and maintained by DOMLEC under a lease agreement with the Government of Dominica (GoCD), with training provided to ensure full local capacity in its management.
This project was made possible through a strategic funding partnership between the United Arab Emirates / Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund (UAE/CREF) and the GoCD. It is being managed by MASDAR, a leading Emirati renewable energy firm, while Smart Energy of France serves as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor.
Supporting Dominica’s Renewable Energy Ambitions
The BESS represents a cornerstone of DOMLEC’s wider strategy to facilitate a national shift to renewable energy, aligning with Dominica’s goals for a more sustainable, climate-resilient future.
As testing concludes and full integration approaches, the system is poised to deliver lasting benefits in grid stability, energy security, and economic sustainability.
Nate Media will continue to follow developments as the system nears operational status.
NATE MEDIA NEWS
April 28, 2025 | Energy & Infrastructure | Dominica
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