Government to invest $450 million in electricity transmission improvement

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic’s electricity demand is expected to increase from 6.8% last year to 8.35% in 2024, prompting the government to invest $450 million to enhance electricity transmission, according to Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos. At a forum organized by the Dominican Association of the Electrical Industry (ADIE) and the Technological Institute of Santo Domingo (Intec), Santos outlined around 30 projects to generate over 3,200 megawatts, diversifying the energy matrix with 2,000 megawatts from thermal sources and 1,000 megawatts from renewables.

Santos stressed the importance of improving the transmission system and highlighted key projects, including major 345Kv transmission lines and substations. He noted a historic peak of 3,866 megawatts served on October 9, 2024. Experts in a panel discussion advocated for investments to reduce energy losses, the construction of a twin plant to Punta Catalina, and the need for environmentally friendly generation options. The forum concluded with a keynote on the potential of nuclear energy in the Dominican Republic’s energy transition.