Dominican Rep energy demand forecast to jump nearly 60%

Energy demand in the Dominican Republic in 2036 is projected to reach 11,139ktoe (thousand tonnes of oil equivalent), up 58% from 2018.

The outlook is part of the national energy commission’s (CNE) just-published 2022-36 national energy plan (PEN), which was released for consultation in December. The last roadmap was for 2004-19.

In 2036, transport will account for 40% of energy offtake, followed by industry (27%), residential (18%), and the commerce, service and public sector (6%), according to the plan.

The bulk of energy is forecast to come from electricity, LPG, gasoline and diesel.

Energy demand by source in ktoe - trend scenario (Source: PEN)

As previously highlighted by BNamericas, the plan pegs required power generation investment at US$5.4-7.5bn, of which US$2.6-3.4bn would be for non-conventional renewable energy.

The roadmap also calls for an overhaul of transmission infrastructure due to forecast congestion in high demand zones.

And the PEN keeps afloat the possible development of a new high conversion refinery, the construction of a second natural gas terminal in Manzanillo, additional fuel storage infrastructure, the installation of gas pipelines, and new impetus for hydrocarbons exploration.

The 444-page national energy plan is available here, in Spanish.