The West Indies Power (WIP) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which enables the company to begin exploratory “slim hole” drilling in the Soufriere Valley has been approved by the Government of Dominica. The assessment was conducted to determine conditions of the geothermal reservoir in that area.
The drilling plan conducted by West Indies Power (Dominica) Ltd calls for the drilling of 2-3 “slim holes” to a depth of 1000m. Slim holes are 2-6 inch wells that are drilled to test for temperature, pressure, and solution chemistry.
The results of these tests will allow WIP to determine the size and composition of the geothermal reservoir and to begin designing the geothermal power plant to use those geothermal solutions.
Construction of the drill sites will begin in the 4th quarter of 2011 and drilling is planned for the 2nd quarter of 2012.
It will employ both foreign contractors and Dominican workers.
Kerry Mc Donald, CEO of WIP, stated “WIP is pleased to have been granted the right to be able to begin drilling in Soufriere.”
He says for years people have suspected that there is a geothermal reservoir in this area and now they will be able to finally prove its existence.
West Indies Power (WIP) is an independent power producer specializing in the development of geothermal energy in the Caribbean with geothermal development projects on St. Kitts and Nevis, Saba and other Caribbean islands. |
