From Wednesday 30th April to Sunday 4th May 2025, Dominica Electricity Services Ltd. (DOMLEC) will be conducting critical testing of a recently installed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at its Fond Colé Power Plant, as the company enters the final stages of commissioning this battery system. Once successfully completed, this milestone will mark another major step toward a more resilient and reliable electricity supply for Dominica.
The BESS, with a combined capacity of 6MW/6MWh, will greatly enhance DOMLEC’s ability to manage the electricity grid more efficiently, provide spinning reserve, and support the stability of the system — particularly as Dominica transitions towards a renewable energy future. Importantly, it will ensure greater system protection and reliability, especially following the commissioning of the island’s upcoming geothermal plant.
DOMLEC’s General Manager, Dwayne Cenac, is excited about this development. “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,” he says.
There may be initial inconveniences during the testing period as temporary service interruptions may arise. He reassures customers, however, that the company anticipates minimal disruptions during this time.
“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.”
Systems Engineer at DOMLEC, Mr. Richard Wilson, also offered reassurance: “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.”
Located in Fond Colé on government-owned property between DOMLEC’s two generating facilities, the BESS is manufactured by global technology leader Huawei. DOMLEC will operate and maintain the BESS as part of a lease agreement with the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica (GoCD), ensuring that the system is fully integrated into the electricity grid and that staff are well-trained in its use and maintenance.
The BESS project is made possible through a special funding arrangement between the United Arab Emirates / Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund (UAE/CREF) and the GoCD. The project is being managed by Emirati renewable energy company MASDAR on behalf of the UAE/CREF with Smart Energy of France serving as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor.
Once fully operational, the BESS will also support DOMLEC’s broader strategic objective of facilitating a transition to more renewable energy sources, further contributing to Dominica’s sustainable energy goals.
About DOMLEC:
Dominica Electricity Company Ltd. (DOMLEC) is the sole electricity provider in the Commonwealth of Dominica. The company is dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and efficient electricity services to the island’s residents and businesses.
Photo and caption:
DOMLEC will operate and manage the BESS system as part of a lease agreement with the Government of Dominica
The BESS system is located in Fond Colé between DOMLEC’s two generating facilities.
Smart Energy staff shows off the BESS system.
DOMLEC General Manager (blue shirt) and Jason Timothy from IRC on tour of the facility in January 2025.
DOMLEC and IRC staff get a tour of the BESS system from Smart Energy Staff.
Smart Energy staff stand in front of BESS system at DOMLEC’s Fond Colé location.
