Dominican Republic Surpasses 2.7 GW of Renewables in 2026
The Dominican Republic is rapidly emerging as a Caribbean leader in the transition to clean energy. Marking a significant achievement, the nation celebrated surpassing 2.7 GW of installed renewable energy capacity at the close of 2025, setting a powerful tone for its energy ambitions in 2026 and beyond. This milestone is not just a number; it represents a dedicated national effort to build a more sustainable, resilient, and independent energy future.
A Landmark Year for Dominican Republic Renewables
The surge past the 2.7 GW threshold was driven by an impressive expansion in 2025. The country successfully added over 600 MW of new clean capacity within the year. This remarkable growth was the result of connecting 13 new solar and wind power plants to the National Interconnected Power System (SENI), demonstrating a swift and effective implementation of the country’s renewable energy strategy. This accelerated development underscores the strong commitment from both public and private sectors to diversify the national energy matrix.
Fueling Future Growth: The Next Wave of Dominican Republic Renewables
The momentum is set to continue. The Dominican government is already moving forward with a new tender to award an additional 600 MW of wind and solar capacity. The response from the private sector has been overwhelmingly positive, with the tender attracting nearly 3 GW in proposals. This five-fold oversubscription signals immense investor confidence in the Dominican Republic’s renewable energy market and its regulatory framework, paving the way for sustained and aggressive expansion in the coming years.
Tackling Growing Pains: Curtailment and the Rise of Energy Storage in Dominican Republic Renewables
Rapid growth, however, comes with its own set of challenges. In 2025, the country experienced the curtailment of 189 GWh of renewable electricity. This untapped clean energy resulted in over $30 million in losses and highlights the urgent need for grid modernization and stability solutions.
In a proactive and forward-thinking move, the government has introduced new regulations to address this issue head-on. These new rules mandate that renewable energy projects ranging from 20 to 200 MW must incorporate energy storage systems equivalent to 50% of their capacity. This strategic requirement for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) will be crucial in stabilizing the grid, reducing curtailment, and ensuring that the maximum amount of clean energy generated can be utilized effectively, day or night.
Expanding Horizons: The Puerto Rico Interconnection for Dominican Republic Renewables
Looking beyond its borders, the Dominican Republic is also positioning itself as a potential regional energy hub. A significant development is the recent U.S. approval for a submarine power cable connecting the island with Puerto Rico. This ambitious project, expected to be operational by 2031, will enable the bidirectional transfer of up to 700 MW of electricity.
This interconnection promises to bolster energy security for both territories. For the Dominican Republic, it opens up a vital export market for its growing surplus of renewable energy, creating new revenue streams and further incentivizing investment in clean power generation.
The Dominican Republic’s journey is a compelling example of how ambitious goals, supported by strategic policy and strong investor interest, can drive a rapid and successful energy transition. By surpassing the 2.7 GW milestone and simultaneously implementing solutions for grid stability and regional integration, the nation is not just building power plants—it is building a sustainable and prosperous energy future.
