Small island developing state Dominica has emerged as a regional leader in renewable energy transition, claiming three top honors at the 2026 Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF) held in Panama City from October 14 to 16 for its transformative national geothermal development initiative.
The country’s flagship geothermal project took home two major institutional awards: Best Caribbean Energy Project and Best Financing Programme. In addition, Dr. Vince Henderson, Dominica’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy, received the individual Caribbean Energy Leadership MVP Industry Award in recognition of his pivotal role in advancing the project from planning to commercial operation. Dr. Henderson accepted all three awards on behalf of the Dominican government and people, according to an official press statement from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) of Dominica.
This regional recognition comes just three months after Dominica’s 10-megawatt geothermal power plant, located in Laudat of the Roseau Valley, officially launched commercial operations in July 2026, following the successful completion of all mandatory safety and performance testing. The facility is now integrated into the country’s national power grid, marking a historic milestone in Dominica’s decades-long push to cut reliance on imported fossil fuels and achieve full energy independence.
The Best Financing Programme award highlights the innovative investment strategy and cross-sector partnerships that overcame unique barriers to delivering large-scale energy infrastructure in a small island developing state. For years, small island nations have faced disproportionate challenges accessing affordable capital and technical expertise for major renewable energy projects, making Dominica’s success a model for the region.
Dr. Henderson’s individual award honors his steady leadership through every phase of the project, navigating complex technical negotiations, securing multiyear financing, and addressing setbacks that emerged over the course of development. In comments following the award ceremony, the minister reflected on the years of effort required to deliver the project, emphasizing that for a small nation like Dominica, advancing a geothermal project of this scale required unwavering conviction, tough strategic decisions, and relentless persistence through years of technical and financial headwinds.
“These awards recognize that effort and affirm that Dominica can deliver major projects with regional significance,” Dr. Henderson said. “I am especially proud that our geothermal resources are now generating electricity for our people, giving us greater control over our energy future and a stronger foundation for long-term economic development.”
The minister was quick to share credit for the achievement, noting that the success belongs to all Dominican people. He highlighted the critical vision and sustained support from Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, the tireless work of local and international project teams, and the shared commitment of partner organizations that made the investment possible. “Our responsibility now is to build on this investment so that greater energy independence translates into more affordable electricity, stronger businesses and better opportunities for our people,” he added.
In its official statement, the Dominican Office of the Prime Minister framed the triple honors as a national achievement that validates the country’s long-term commitment to building a cleaner, more climate-resilient energy system and advancing toward full energy independence. The win also positions Dominica as a benchmark for other small island developing states across the Caribbean seeking to leverage their own natural renewable resources to drive sustainable development.