Electricity is Hot

[M.T.Pilot]

I recently visited (the Commonwealth of) Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic). It is a beautiful Caribbean island which is situated between Guadeloupe and Martinique. 754 km² in size with a population of probably around 55,000.

There are 365 rivers on this little island, large tropical forests, indigenous parrots, dolphins, sperm- and other whales and seven volcanoes of which six are dormant. Several solfataric areas are active and natural hot water can be found all over the island.

This volcanic activity can be put to excellent use to generate electricity in a clean and durable way. Dominica’s electricity company DOMLEC (Dominica Electric Services Limited), as well as a French company together with the government and a US private company are currently developing three (separate) projects to start making use of thermohydropower.



At this time, Dominica needs a maximum number of 18 megawatt of electricity, whereas some 150-200 megawatt capacity can be expected upon completion of the thermohydroelectricity projects. So, not only will Dominica be able to provide themselves with durable energy, they also plan to export their green power to the neighboring islands. This is a great example showing that being environmentally conscious and making money can go hand in hand.

In the meantime, examples of the use of another sustainable way of energy production -solar power- can be found everywhere on Dominica; from solar powered streetlights to solar power boilers on the roofs of houses.

It is looking sunny, hot and altogether green on Dominica!


(more stuff at www.TurtugaBlanku.com)

[sfocata]

Good for them, and a lesson for the alternative energy naysayers. Replacing fossil fuels doesn't (and shouldn't) involve putting all our eggs in one basket (whether that's wind turbines or whatever)... the most sensible approach is lots of different approaches, each best suited to the local conditions/resources.

[M.T.Pilot]

Good for them, and a lesson for the alternative energy naysayers. Replacing fossil fuels doesn't (and shouldn't) involve putting all our eggs in one basket (whether that's wind turbines or whatever)... the most sensible approach is lots of different approaches, each best suited to the local conditions/resources.

I think so too. And there are several options and combinations possible: thermo, hydro, tide, wind, solar, etc..