Powering the sustainable transition with geothermal energy: A case study on Dominica

Climate change impacts continue to threaten the islands within the Caribbean where guidance on achieving a sustainable energy transition is relatively absent. Thus, we present for the first time, multiple decision criteria utilizing techno-economic and environmental assessments to inform on the hidden benefits of the geothermal rich nation of Dominica. In determining the most sustainable option for Dominica to deploy its geothermal energy capacity, several cases were explored using current and future levelized electricity (LCOE) costs, product annualized costs (TAC) and life cycle assessments (LCA). Our results highlight a 99.5% reduction in national life cycle GHG emissions, coupled with 70% cheaper power by 2030 exploiting 100% geothermal energy. Furthermore, excess energy storage platforms through methanol and ammonia production showed increased financial and environmental benefits in 2030, with a 38% reduction in TAC and avoided burdens as high as 149,000 CO2-eq/year observed. Nevertheless, the most sustainable outcome for Dominica was revealed through energy exportation to neighbouring islands-avoiding up to 2.5 million tonnes CO2-eq/year while producing 20% cheaper dispatchable power. Although this energy transition accompanies high capital investment, our results confirm sustainable operations and illustrate the potential for geothermal activity in supporting clean and affordable energy production across the Eastern Caribbean Region.