Dominica Electricity Services Ltd. (DOMLEC) is set to perform essential assessments on a newly deployed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Fond Colé Power Plant, as the company nears the completion of this system’s commissioning. Achieving this milestone signifies a significant advancement towards enhancing the reliability and resilience of electricity supply in Dominica, said a company statement.
The newly installed BESS boasts a total capacity of 6MW/6MWh, which DOMLEC shares will significantly bolster its capacity to operate the electricity grid more effectively, furnish spinning reserves, and uphold system stability, especially as Dominica progresses towards a future dominated by renewable energy. Notably, the statement added that this system will enhance protection and reliability of the electricity grid, particularly in light of the forthcoming geothermal plant’s commissioning on the island.
Dwayne Cenac, the General Manager of DOMLEC, expressed his enthusiasm regarding this initiative: “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 overtime, and ultimately support more stable electricity supply to our consumers,”
Acknowledging that during the testing phase, some minor inconveniences may occur as temporary service interruptions could take place, Cenac reassures customers that the company expects these disruptions to be minimal.
“While this testing period may cause some inconvenience, it is an essential step toward ensuring a stronger, more resilient electricity supply for Dominica and we do hope that these interruptions will be minimal.”
Richard Wilson, Systems Engineer at DOMLEC, also provided reassurance, stating, “We are committed to minimising any impact on our customers during the commissioning period. Our team will carry out all testing activities with the utmost attention to safety and efficiency.”
The BESS is situated in Fond Colé on land owned by the government, nestled between DOMLEC’s two-generation plants, and is produced by the global technology firm Huawei. Under a leasing arrangement with the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica (GoCD), DOMLEC will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the BESS, ensuring its seamless integration into the electricity grid with comprehensive training provided for staff.
According to the report, this BESS initiative is supported by a unique funding collaboration between the United Arab Emirates / Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund (UAE/CREF) and the GoCD. The Emirati renewable energy company MASDAR is overseeing the project on behalf of the UAE/CREF, while Smart Energy from France is appointed as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor.
After it becomes fully functional, the company promises that BESS will align with DOMLEC’s broader vision of transitioning towards a greater reliance on renewable energy sources, contributing to Dominica’s sustainable energy objectives.