2023: a year of great advances in energy efficiency and sustainability in the Dominican Republic

This CNE release was published using machine translation.

By evaluating the year 2023, the National Energy Commission (CNE) reaffirms its commitment to promoting the sustainable and efficient development of the national energy sector.

This is clearly reflected in the results obtained through its actions and initiatives in energy planning, regulation, promotion of investment in renewable projects, and in the promotion of the responsible and rational use of energy.

In addition, the CNE has dedicated efforts to promote the safe and responsible use of nuclear energy for the benefit of humanity and the environment.

Below are the most notable achievements of the past year:

• Concessions for new renewable projects, transparency and confidence in investment

In line with the Dominican Republic's objective of reaching 25% renewable energy by 2025, the CNE has promoted the development of renewable projects, under a scheme of transparency, zero bureaucracy and respect for the legal framework . Until December, 26 provisional concession resolutions were issued.

These elements have been fundamental in generating confidence among investors, as demonstrated by the Central Bank's economic report, which revealed that the energy sector led the attraction of foreign investment in the first half of the year, reaching US 564.4 million.

• First project with storage

In December, the Dominicana Azul solar project, located in María Trinidad Sánchez, became a pioneer in including a battery storage system, marking a milestone in the energy transition of the Dominican Republic.

After obtaining a definitive concession from the Government and complying with resolutions on storage issued by the National Energy Commission (CNE), the park began its construction work, in an event led by the President of the Republic, Luis Abinader.

• Tax incentives to promote renewables

By successfully managing 1,917 tax incentive authorizations for approximately RD$1,300 million, the CNE supported the government's commitment to increasing renewable energy generation.

These exemptions were granted to companies and individuals that invested in the acquisition and installation of renewable systems for the generation and sale of energy.

• Net Metering Program and growth in Distributed Generation

During the year 2023, the Net Metering Program registered a large increase in both installed power and number of clients.

Some 2,964 users were registered, raising distributed generation interconnected to the electrical system to around 2%.

• Energy planning

Among the main achievements achieved by the CNE is the planning of the sector through the preparation of the National Energy Plan (PEN), in line with compliance with Law No. 125-01 and the National Pact for the Reform of the Electric Sector .

The institution's technical team is already working on the annual update of this document, as mandated by the General Electricity Law, which will be issued in the first quarter of 2024.

• Greater energy saving culture

The CNE exceeded by more than 100% the initially proposed goal of training 50 thousand people on the topic of efficient and responsible use of energy.

Through the Dissemination Program for the Rational Use of Energy, speaking activities were held at public and private educational centers, universities, camps and churches, raising awareness of a total of 65,051 citizens, of which 50.7% corresponded to gender. female (32,982 people) and the remaining 49.3% to the male sex (32,069 people).

On the other hand, it developed the campaign “Today is a good day to save energy”, with the intention of sharing energy saving tips through the media and social networks.

• Renewable energy projects benefit vulnerable communities

Through the Division of Support for the Execution of Special Projects, the CNE successfully implemented 5 photovoltaic systems, 50 photovoltaic modules and 460 LED lamps in vulnerable communities in the provinces of Azua de Compostela, Elías Piña, Santo Domingo, El Seibo and San José de Ocoa.

These initiatives have benefited families and students, contributing significantly to the well-being of these communities.

• Promotion of the Safe Use of Nuclear Energy: Commitment to Safety and the Environment

From the Nuclear Directorate, the CNE responded to 1,416 requests for the inspection and verification of materials, radioactive substances and devices that generate ionizing radiation in industrial, radiodiagnosis, radiotherapy and nuclear medicine areas. This work demonstrates the commitment to promoting the safe and responsible use of nuclear energy for the benefit of humanity and the environment.

These 2023 achievements underscore the National Energy Commission's continued focus on developing renewable energy sources and constantly improving the national electricity system, building a more prosperous, clean and sustainable future.