Dominican Republic solar power expansion gains momentum with new renewable energy facility
The Dominican Republic is poised to significantly enhance its renewable energy capacity through the construction of a groundbreaking 105.5 MW solar power facility. This ambitious project, spearheaded by the energy conglomerate InterEnergy Group, marks a significant step forward in the nation’s quest for sustainable energy solutions. Operations are anticipated to commence in the first quarter of 2025.
InterEnergy Group strengthens Dominican Republic solar power portfolio
During a recent Dominican Energy Forum in Punta Cana, InterEnergy Group announced the launch of the Cibao Solar plant. Strategically located in Hato del Yaque in the Santiago province, this new facility is set to boast a total capacity of 105.5 MW. The plant will be equipped with 180,000 bifacial photovoltaic panels, designed to maximize efficiency by capturing sunlight on both sides. Complementing these panels are 52 inverters and a 138 kV transmission line extending over 5.5 kilometers.
The Cibao Solar project is projected to generate an impressive 210,000 MWh of clean energy annually, sufficient to meet the electricity needs of 110,000 households. Additionally, it is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 130,000 tons per year, reinforcing the country’s commitment to climate change mitigation.
Rolando Gonzalez Bunster, chairman and CEO of InterEnergy Group, emphasized the company’s dedication to renewable energy. “We are proud to announce our latest renewable energy project, Cibao Solar, which will contribute significantly to the Dominican Republic’s energy mix,” he stated. The company’s focus remains on reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable development.
Dominican Republic solar power facility to enhance renewable energy goals
The Cibao Solar project is a key component of InterEnergy Group’s broader initiative to expand its renewable energy footprint within the Dominican Republic. The company already oversees several solar and wind power facilities, including the 70 MW Mata de Palma solar farm and the 215 MW Luz del Norte solar farm—the largest in the Caribbean.
InterEnergy Group’s ventures also include wind energy production. The company operates the 215 MW Parque Eólico Los Cocos wind farm, the largest of its kind in the Dominican Republic. Collectively, InterEnergy’s renewable energy projects are pivotal to the country’s overall energy generation capacity.
The Dominican Republic has been proactive in diversifying its energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The country has set ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming for 25% of its electricity to be sourced from renewables by 2025 and 30% by 2030. The Cibao Solar project is a crucial stride towards these goals.
Aside from its environmental impact, the project is expected to create around 500 jobs during the construction phase, thus providing an economic boost to the local community. InterEnergy Group is also committed to investing in community development initiatives, focusing on education and infrastructure enhancement.
The Dominican Republic is on a path to becoming a regional leader in clean energy production. Supported by financial backing from international bodies such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Dominican government has fostered a favorable environment for private sector investment in renewable energy through a series of policies and incentives.
For further insights into the Dominican Republic’s solar initiatives, explore this detailed report.
As the Dominican Republic continues to invest in renewable energy, the nation is well-positioned to become a regional leader in clean energy production. The addition of the Cibao Solar project will further solidify the country’s commitment to a sustainable energy future.
