READY TO DRILL (FOR STEAM NOT OIL): DOMINICA

UNCLAS BRIDGETOWN 000347


WHA/ESPC FAITH CORNEILLE AND FRANCES COLON

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: XL ECON ENV EINV ENRG SENV TRGY
SUBJECT: READY TO DRILL (FOR STEAM NOT OIL): DOMINICA
RESPONSE TO ENERGY AND CLIMATE PARTNERSHIP OF THE AMERICAS
(ECPA)

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SUMMARY
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1. (U) On 14 March 2009, poloff, met with Permanent
Secretary of the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, and
Ports Vincent Philbert to discuss the Summit of the Americas,
focusing on the Energy and Climate Partnership of the
Americas (EPCA). Philbert advised us that representatives
from Dominica would attend the June 15-16 Americas Energy
Symposium hosted by Peru. Philbert expressed Dominica,s
desire to take geothermal energy from the planning stages to
the exploration stages. He hoped that the EPCA could be used
to facilitate the transfer of green technologies and best
practices from developed countries to Dominica.


2. (U) According to Philbert, Dominica is ready to start
drilling for steam but needed outside investment and
technology to dig down and look at what kind of geothermal
capability is actually there. As for other renewables,
Philbert mentioned a desire to explore solar and wind energy.
He also expressed an interest in technical assistance to
create greener public buildings.

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COMMENT
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3. (U) Poloffs have been in contact with USTDA about the
possibility of a reverse trade delegation, with Dominican
Government and Business leaders going to the U.S. to meet
with geothermal companies. USTDA is currently evaluating a
bid relating to renewable energy in Dominica. During our
continued meetings with Philbert, poloffs have stressed that
the USG is interested in exploring possible ways we can be of
assistance. We have conveyed our expectation that, when
commercial tenders are put out to bid, American firms will be
given positive consideration. Philbert was enthusiastic in
his response to USG proposals.


HARDT