RC Trebucq's Opening Remarks at the Dominica Development Partners Meeting: Enabling the Transition to 100% renewable energy through Geothermal Development and Grid Investment

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

•    Honourable Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit

•    Honourable Ministers & Members of the Cabinet

•    Ambassadors

•    Permanent Secretaries & other officials of the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica

•    Colleagues, Heads of Agencies and other UN staff

•    Development Partners

•    Ladies and gentlemen

•    The Media

Good morning,  

I am pleased to be here again in Dominica to join the government in welcoming the Development Partners who are working to make Dominica the world's first Climate Resilient Nation. 

First allow me to congratulate Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton for her election as the President of the Commonwealth of Dominica. 



This meeting is a follow-up to the Development Partner's Coordination Meeting convened in March of this year by the Government and the UN, where we discussed how to work together to tackle the most pressing development needs of this country. We identified the need to work closer with Dominica, which has shown strong leadership over a decade towards delivering Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7). 

I want to thank the Government of Dominica for their leadership in this endeavor, co-organizing this event with the UN. And thank the US Dept of State, Govt of Iceland and IRENA for their partnerships today. 

My presence here today is testimony to the commitment UN development system to further mobilise international solidarity and support for Dominica’s sustainable development. 

With seven years to go for SDGs achievement, there is no doubt that the green transition is an important enabler for SIDS to be able to achieve the SDGs.

The nexus between energy security and economic and social development is well documented. Energy security is not only a necessary means for economic growth and diversification, but also an important vehicle to for reducing inequalities, including gender inequalities. 

Today, I want to focus specifically on the transition to geothermal energy. Dominica has already invested a lot of resources and efforts in this journey. The share of Renewable Energy in the mix is already high, at 35% capacity.

We are jointly convening today to close the last mile in this journey, to help Dominica mobilise the US$75 million of public and private resources, as well as the expertise required, to build the remaining infrastructure needed to deliver geothermal energy. With that, the households, businesses and public buildings will be provided with 100% renewable energy through the grid. 



This meeting therefore, can easily be classified as a signature moment when - as a development community – we rise up to help Dominica to showcase to its people and the rest of the world that the green transition in SIDS is possible. And we are that close to achieve it.  So let’s demonstrate that achieving 100% RE in a SIDS is a reality, and is a model to replicate!

Challenges



Dominica as other SIDS faces unique challenges when it comes to energy. As a small island developing state (SIDS), Dominica is heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels, which makes it vulnerable to global energy price fluctuations and poses a significant risk to the environment and climate. It is clear that Dominica recognizes this challenge and is determined to change the narrative.

Energy Independence and Security

Geothermal energy promises energy independence and security for Dominica. Harnessing the power of Waitukubuli not only reduces the reliance on expensive fossil fuels but provides a clean and consistent energy source that is both sustainable and indigenous. This enhances energy security by protecting itself from energy price volatility, boosts the economy, and contributes to climate resilience.

Economic Growth and Job Creation

The green transition - will help unleash Dominica’s economic potential. Developing your geothermal resources will create jobs, stimulate local industries, and attract investments. It’s not just about reducing energy bills; it's also about fostering inclusive economic growth that benefits every Dominican.

Geothermal power plants can also provide a stable source of energy during emergencies.

SDG Alignment



The transition to geothermal energy is well aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Energy access and affordability are essential for achieving the goals. Geothermal energy can help to bridge the gap in energy access and lay the foundation for progress in other areas, like education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.

Furthermore, this transition presents unparalleled opportunities for significant development growth with multiplier effects. By investing in this transition, Dominica can experience paradigm shifts in multiple sectors, from enhanced agricultural production, and food security, to digital transformation, and increased revenues for crucial investments as soon as the country has the ability to export energy to others

The Road Ahead

While the path to geothermal energy is promising, it is not without challenges.

Dominica needs additional investment in infrastructure, technology, and human capital. Collectively, we must ensure that the benefits of this transition reach every Dominican, leaving no one behind.

It's a collective effort that requires collaboration among us all – in government, business, the community, and among international partners.

Dominica has already made commendable progress in its development work. However, for Dominica to realize the full potential of this transition, it needs support to cross the finish line. We call today on your respective support for the transition to a new energy mix  and help Dominica propel its growth even further. 

Conclusion



I want to conclude by saying that by embracing geothermal energy, Dominica can become a global leader in sustainable development and renewable energy. Its partners, be it countries, multilateral institutions, private investors, can also demonstrate their leadership in this crucial investment pathway for achieving the Agenda 2030. 



Together, let’s support the vision of Dominica becoming the first climate resilient nation in the world.