Dominica wins three CREF 2026 awards for geothermal energy milestones

Dominica has claimed three major awards at the Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF) 2026, held in Panama City from October 14 to 16, recognising the country's advances in geothermal energy.The awards were Best Caribbean Energy Project, Best Financing Programme and the Caribbean Energy Leadership MVP Award, which went to Dr. Vince Henderson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy.Prime Minister Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit announced the results in a social media post, writing: "Our country has received three major awards at the Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF) 2026, including Best Caribbean Energy Project and Best Financing Programme."Skerrit also congratulated Henderson, saying: "I extend special congratulations to my colleague, Hon. Dr. Vince Henderson, on receiving the Caribbean Energy Leadership MVP Award."The prime minister said the awards reflect years of hard work, determination and strong partnership behind the island's geothermal development, and that the government will continue working to ensure the investment delivers greater energy security, more affordable electricity and lasting benefits for Dominicans.The Government of Dominica said in a social media post that the awards recognise the country's achievement in bringing geothermal energy to the national grid, the partnerships that made it possible and the leadership behind the project."From vision to reality, Dominica is making its mark in renewable energy," the government statement added.The recognition follows the start of commercial operations at Dominica's 10-megawatt geothermal power plant at Laudat, which one account says began in July 2026 and another says began in August 2026. The plant made Dominica the first CARICOM member state to generate electricity from geothermal resources.According to one account, the Laudat plant serves almost the whole country and covers about 60% of electricity demand, and was built with Ormat Technologies under a public-private partnership as an alternative to imported diesel.Geothermal supplied approximately 43% of Dominica's electricity in June 2026, with hydropower contributing an additional 25%, according to projections cited by the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC), which put geothermal at around 60% of gross electricity production by 2027.Authorities have also said they plan to explore geothermal prospects, including possibly in northern Dominica.