The Dominican Republic is accelerating its shift towards renewable energy, with a target of generating 25% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025. The announcement, made by Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos during the Perspectives on the Electric Sector for 2025 forum hosted by the Dominican Association of the Electric Industry (ADIE), highlights the government’s dedication to energy diversification.
Solar energy will drive this transition, with its contribution expected to grow from 8% to 17% within a year. Wind energy will also see a modest increase, from 6% to 7%. Meanwhile, traditional energy sources will experience significant reductions:
Natural gas will remain a key component, sustaining its current 42% share of the energy mix, while hydropower and biomass will hold steady at 5% and 1%, respectively.
A critical focus of the government’s strategy is rural electrification. Currently, 64,014 households, representing 1.72% of the population, lack access to electricity. Minister Santos pledged to expedite electrification projects to address this gap and ensure universal energy access.
The government plans to invest $450 million (£432 million) between 2025 and 2028 to expand transmission lines and substations. Additionally, distribution improvements, such as large-scale procurement of transformers and meters, will enhance the reliability and reach of electricity services.
To support renewable energy development, regulatory reforms are being prepared to ensure a stable and competitive environment for investors. These reforms aim to attract both domestic and international investments in clean energy, fostering a sustainable and resilient energy market.
At present, renewables contribute 18% to the national grid, with the goal of increasing this share to 30% by 2030 as outlined in the National Development Strategy. Minister Santos highlighted the key priorities for the energy sector:
