Spanish
The Empresa Generadora de Electricidad Itabo (EGEITABO) launched its new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS Itabo), an infrastructure that consolidates the company's leadership in innovation, while strengthening the stability, efficiency, and security of the National Interconnected Electrical System (SENI) by providing ancillary frequency regulation services with the most advanced and efficient technology.
The Minister of Energy and Mines, Joel Santos, indicated that this project symbolizes the vision of a country moving towards a cleaner, more stable, and resilient matrix, in line with the priorities of President Luis Abinader's government. He specified that energy storage is the essential complement to renewable energies.
"The BESS system (by its acronym in English) of Itabo is a key piece within the national energy transition strategy, as it contributes to the stabilization of the grid, improves the quality of supply and facilitates greater integration of renewable sources."
He also pointed out that with initiatives like this, the Dominican Republic is consolidating itself as a regional leader in innovative energy solutions, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, the Meta 2036 Plan and the country's decarbonization commitments.
“From the Ministry of Energy and Mines and the National Energy Commission (CNE), we have promoted a clear policy: all new renewable projects with more than 20 MW of power must incorporate storage systems in at least 50% of their capacity, either on-site or through centralized infrastructures,” he pointed out.
With an investment exceeding 8 million dollars, more than RD$500 million, the BESS Itabo system has an installed capacity of 7.5 MW, using lithium battery technology with automatic cooling. This advance will allow a better integration of renewable sources and a more efficient and resilient grid in the face of demand variations.
The new system, developed in partnership with Fluence Energy, uses artificial intelligence software capable of optimizing its performance, anticipating maintenance, and ensuring operational safety. In its execution, more than 26,000 man-hours were accumulated without accidents, reflecting the company's commitment to excellence and workplace safety.
Gustavo García, president of the Board of Directors of EGEITABO, stated that this project represents a decisive step towards the new era of energy storage in the Dominican Republic.
"The BESS of EGEITABO is a 100% clean project, with 7.5 megawatts of capacity and cutting-edge technology. It is an investment that boosts the reliability of the national electricity system and reinforces our vision of sustainability and development of the country's energy market," García highlighted.
The businessman also highlighted Itabo's role as a valuable ally for the Dominican State, with 17.032 billion pesos in accumulated dividends and more than 10 billion in contributions to the treasury in the last two decades, consolidating itself as one of the main contributors to the growth of the Dominican economy.
During his intervention, General Manager Edwin De los Santos emphasized that Itabo, in addition to being one of the most cost-efficient electricity generators in the system, now with the BESS system makes it one of the most efficient in terms of stability for the National Interconnected Electrical System.
Since the beginning of its operations, EGEITABO has been an essential base generator of the National Interconnected Electrical System (SENI), providing the country with continuous and stable energy for more than four decades.
"Today we celebrate the integration of the BESS EGEITABO system, which symbolizes our commitment to sustainable progress. More than 26,000 man-hours of work without accidents reflect our culture of safety and operational excellence," he expressed.
De los Santos recalled that Itabo has been the most resilient plant in the electrical system, with a capacity of 260 MW and a historical average availability of 85%, thanks to efficient management and continuous modernization. He also highlighted the company's social investments, which in the last five years has allocated more than 30 million pesos to community, educational and cultural projects in Haina and recreational projects, such as the construction of community parks in partnership with the City Council of that municipality, and the programs "Yo Me Respeto" and "Berklee en Santo Domingo".
"Each advance like this brings us closer to a modern and competitive country. Let's keep working with vision and determination so that the energy of tomorrow continues to be the engine of progress for all Dominicans," concluded Minister Santos.
The BESS Itabo system not only strengthens the national electricity grid, but also lays the groundwork for future projects, such as Itabo Solar in Monte Cristi and new storage expansions.
With this initiative, EGEITABO reaffirms its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the development of the Dominican energy sector, contributing to a cleaner, more efficient, and reliable future.
