Joel Santos highlights energy resilience during the inauguration of Manzanillo Power Land

Montecristi. – The Minister of Energy and Mines, Joel Santos, assured that the commissioning of the Manzanillo Power Land plant represents a decisive step towards the energy security of the Dominican Republic, in an international context marked by uncertainty. During the inauguration ceremony, the official began his speech with a message of optimism: “Yes, we can!”, highlighting that the work not only implies the entry of a new power plant, but also the consolidation of a vision of a country focused on planning and anticipation. “The country responsibly decides how to guarantee its energy security in an increasingly convulsive world,” said Santos, highlighting that the plant will provide 200 megawatts in simple cycle and reach 414 megawatts in combined cycle this year, strengthening the stability of the national electricity system.

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The minister said that this project is part of a broader strategy of diversifying the energy matrix through the use of natural gas, which allows reducing vulnerabilities and increasing the resilience of the system.

“That word must be said many times, because it represents this project: resilience,” he affirmed.

Santos also highlighted that the work includes 128 kilometers of 345 kV transmission line, which will not only facilitate the distribution of the generated energy, but will also allow the integration of other thermal and renewable sources into the system, responding to a growing demand. In his speech, he referred to the impact of geopolitical conflicts, especially in the Middle East, noting that the volatility of energy markets “is not a hypothesis, it is a reality”, which is why the country has chosen to anticipate risks by strengthening its energy infrastructure. The official revealed that in 2025, 1,138 megawatts were added to the electrical system with an investment exceeding 1.5 billion dollars, achieving a balance between renewable energies and efficient thermal generation. Likewise, he announced the operational launch of new projects in the coming years, such as the expansion of San Pedro Bioenergy in 2026, as well as San Felipe I in 2027 and Manzanillo I and II in 2028, along with other initiatives that will add additional capacity to the system. Santos indicated that these plans also include the incorporation of 1,000 megawatts of renewable energy before 2028, in addition to battery and pumped hydro storage projects and the repowering of hydroelectric plants.

“The goal is not only to meet current demand, but to leave an energy legacy that drives the country’s economic growth beyond 2036,” he pointed out.

Finally, the minister valued the constant monitoring of major energy projects and acknowledged the support of President Luis Abinader, as well as the joint work of the public and private sectors to ensure the sustainability of the national electricity system.