DR advances towards energy transition; renewable generation will double by 2028

This press release was published in English using an automatic translation system

Ministry of Energy and Mines

SANTO DOMINGO. The Dominican Republic has achieved unprecedented results in diversifying its energy sources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, a sign of the country's steady progress in its energy transition.

This was highlighted by the Minister of Energy and Mines, Joel Santos, when leading, together with the National Energy Commission (CNE), the Strategic Dialogue for a Fair Energy Transition: Energy Strategies and Regulations, as part of the activities of the World Energy Efficiency Day, celebrated every March 5.

During his participation in the event, held at the Sheraton Hotel, Santos recalled that in 2020 the installed capacity of renewable generation in the country did not exceed 555.9 megawatts.

“Today, we can say with satisfaction that by December 2024 we will have doubled that capacity, reaching 1,396.1 megawatts. And 2025 finds us accelerating new projects, with the goal of having 25% of all our energy come from renewable sources,” the minister stressed.

He indicated that the expressed growth is not just about numbers, but rather a palpable reality in the country's energy system, a reflection of the strategic vision of President Luis Abinader, through policies outlined by have encouraged investment in clean energy.

Santos announced that by 2028 the country will double the generation of renewable energy; for which, more than 30 new projects will be executed, including storage for night hours, which will guarantee a sustainable energy supply, which will boost economic growth and the quality of life of all Dominicans.

Regarding energy security, he mentioned that the Ministry of Energy and Mines is promoting thermal generation projects, mainly using natural gas. “In the coming years, we will add 2,179 megawatts to the system, of which 612 megawatts will come into operation this year, with the start-up of new power plants in Boca Chica, San Pedro de Macorís and Manzanillo,” he said.

“We cannot fail to highlight a historic event that occurred last Saturday, February 8, when at 1:38 p.m., renewable sources injected 1,222.75 megawatts into the system, exceeding 50% of online power for the first time and displacing thermal energy as the main supply.

The minister also expressed satisfaction with the support given by the Board of Directors of the Climate Investment Funds (CIF Funds) to the Dominican Republic, with the approval of an investment plan of 85 million dollars, with a view to continuing the transformation and energy independence, and continuing the creation of clean and sustainable energies.

He stressed the Government's commitment to strengthening the energy sector, highlighting the importance of collaboration to move towards a more sustainable and competitive model.

"By working in a coordinated manner across all aspects of the energy sector, we will continue to ensure an orderly and efficient energy transition, consolidating the country as a regional benchmark in clean energy and sustainability," he said.

Energy efficiency is a key axis

On this subject, the executive director of the CNE, Edward Veras, expressed that energy efficiency is a key pillar to guarantee a fair and sustainable transition. “Through this strategic dialogue we reaffirm our commitment to continue promoting regulations and strategies that promote the rational use of energy, benefiting both the economy and the environment.”

He also highlighted that in the last three years the country has received more than 1 billion dollars in investments in renewable energy, but warned that to reach the goal of 30% renewable generation by 2030, 5.4 billion dollars will be needed in the next five years.

Veras stressed the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to accelerate the implementation of more efficient and sustainable technologies. “The energy transition is not just a government goal, but a joint effort that requires the commitment of all actors in the sector,” he added.

In this regard, he called on citizens to raise awareness about the need for more efficient energy consumption. “We must change the perception that energy is a free resource. It is essential that every Dominican understands its value and the need to use it responsibly,” said Veras.

The meeting, which also included a panel on the progress and strategies implemented to optimize energy consumption, brought together authorities, experts and representatives of the energy sector who shared and analyzed the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition in the country, with a focus on efficiency and the rational use of energy resources.

As part of the actions to celebrate World Energy Efficiency Day, the institutions are carrying out a joint awareness campaign on the responsible use of energy, which includes educational promotions in digital and traditional media, such as the use of LED light bulbs, unplugging equipment when not in use, responsible air conditioning, use of renewable energy sources, among others.

Present at the dialogue were Martín Robles Morillo, general manager of the Dominican Electric Transmission Company (ETED); Andrés Astacio, Superintendent of Electricity (SIE); Fausto Pérez, Vice Minister of Energy Security and Infrastructure; Noel Báez, Vice Minister of Hydrocarbons; Alfonso Rodríguez, Vice Minister of Energy; José Santana, Director of Savings and Energy Efficiency Policies; Nadia Martínez, Legal Director; Jorge Mota Nín, Director of Energy Security and Gustavo Mejía-Ricart, Director of International Relations, as well as representatives of the electrical sector.