The Minister of Energy and Mines, Joel Santos, highlighted the decisive impact of pension funds on the energy development of the Dominican Republic, which support around 23 electrical macro-projects with contributions exceeding US$1.097 billion, mainly in solar, wind and high-efficiency thermal generation.
This financing, he said, boosts both the growth of the electricity sector and the sustainable development of the country.
“This investment, equivalent to 5.59% of the total portfolio, has driven projects that together total 2,685 megawatts (MW) of capacity, generating direct benefits for millions of Dominican workers who see their savings strengthened and, at the same time, the electrical system that serves them. The workers win twice,” said the minister during the official inauguration of the Cotoperí Photovoltaic Park, in Guaymate, La Romana.
The event was led by the Vice President of the Republic, Raquel Peña, along with executives from Acciona Energía, JMMB, and Grupo País. Santos acknowledged the commitment of these entities and highlighted that the joint participation of foreign, national, and pension fund capital “reaffirms the strength, stability, and competitiveness of the Dominican energy sector.”
Cotoperí: a milestone in the energy transition
Minister Santos emphasized that the Cotoperí Photovoltaic Park represents a decisive step towards a cleaner and more modern energy matrix. He explained that the project, composed of three solar plants and with an installed capacity of 163 MWp, will produce about 286 thousand MWh per year, enough to supply more than 95,000 homes.
He also indicated that it will avoid the emission of more than 210,000 tons of CO₂, contributing to national decarbonization goals.
During his speech, he also highlighted the social impact of the project: “Its construction generated 600 jobs, directly benefiting families in La Romana. The energy transition is measured not only in megawatts, but also in opportunities for our people.”
Santos pointed out that the Government will continue to promote the development of renewable infrastructure with quality, efficiency, and sustainability standards. “This park reaffirms our vision of a diversified and resilient electrical system. From the Ministry of Energy and Mines and the National Energy Commission we continue to work to make this standard the norm,” he said.
The event was also attended by José Manuel Entrecanales, president and CEO of Acciona; Juan José Melo, executive chairman of JMMB Dominican Republic and Juan Carlos País, CEO of Grupo País.
