Spanish
The Minister of Energy and Mines, Joel Santos, highlighted this Monday that the Government, through the Ministry of Energy and Mines, continues to promote a series of energy projects that will contribute 612 megawatts (MW) to the National Interconnected Electrical System (SENI) in the next six months.
Santos detailed that the SIBA cycle closure will add 68 MW in October, Energías 4, in San Pedro de Macorís (130 MW) in the same month, and Energía 2000, which will enter in the first quarter of 2026, in Manzanillo, will supply 414 megawatts, for a total of 612 megawatts.
He pointed out that among the efforts of the current administration is the integration of some 500 megawatts of renewable energy this 2025. In that order, he recalled that Energy and Mines is developing the first tender for the purchase of batteries with which it will implement a storage system at the beginning of 2027.
He explained that this system will not only help meet demand during peak seasons, but will also result in greater system stabilization.
He recalled that by 2028 the country will double the generation of that type of energy, and along with storage, more than 30 new projects will be executed to guarantee a sustainable energy supply, which will boost economic growth and improve the quality of life of Dominicans.
He cited other projections from Energy and Mines for 2028, which includes a 54% increase in the installed capacity of thermal energy in the SENI and the commissioning of more than 2,100 MW in thermal plants under development.
When interviewed on the program "El Gobierno de la Mañana", which is broadcast on Z-101, Santos announced that the country plans an investment of about US$450 million in transmission in the coming years to strengthen the national system.
He recalled that several weeks ago the Government inaugurated a 345-kilovolt transmission line, with 128 kilometers of travel for the natural gas generation projects from Montecristi to Santiago, being, so far, the most transcendental electrical work.
"This work has two objectives: to be able to bring to SENI all the energy that will be produced by the three Manzanillo projects, which will enter in the first quarter of 2026, plus those that will enter in 2028; but also to connect all the renewable projects, which will be developed in the northern region of the country," he said.
"But we must continue with important new transmission lines, the 345, which must go from Azua to Punta Catalina. That will also be vital for all renewables in the south, and will contribute to the economic development that the Government is promoting in that region. In that sense, he recalled the integration to the SENI of the province of Pedernales, which, until just over a month ago, remained isolated from the system."
He stated that the Government continues to work to strengthen distribution networks, combat electricity fraud (especially with illegal connections), ensure that citizens pay for the service, and repower the lines, among other things.
"In one aspect that I would ask for understanding from the population, and it is about some announced interruptions that are made for maintenance reasons, which have nothing to do with other situations that may arise," requested the minister.
During the interview, Santos also addressed other relevant topics that contribute to the economic development of the Dominican Republic, such as mining, hydrocarbons, among others.
