In 2025, the electricity consumption in the Dominican Republic is predominantly sourced from fossil fuels, with nearly four-fifths of its electricity generated from such sources. The primary fossil fuel is gas, contributing almost 40%, closely followed by coal at nearly 29%. Low-carbon sources, meanwhile, provide just over one-fifth of the country's electricity. Within the clean energy segment, solar power is the largest contributor, accounting for roughly 9%. Hydropower follows with about 6%, and wind makes up nearly 5%. These figures indicate a significant reliance on fossil fuels, although there is a growing contribution from low-carbon sources, signaling an emerging trend towards greener energy solutions.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Dominican Republic?
Examining the trends in electricity consumption, the Dominican Republic witnessed a notable decline from its previous highs. In 2025, the average consumption per person stood at 2067 kWh, which represents a decrease of 137 kWh per person compared to the previous record set in 2024. While overall electricity consumption has dropped, there has been a promising boost in low-carbon electricity. In 2025, low-carbon electricity generation reached a new high of 440 kWh per person, marking an increase of 73 kWh per person from the previous year. This upward trend in low-carbon electricity generation is an encouraging sign that the country is starting to prioritize sustainable energy sources despite the overall decrease in consumption.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity further, the Dominican Republic could take inspiration from countries that have successfully utilized solar and wind energy extensively. For instance, looking at solar power, Dominican Republic can adopt lessons from regions like North Macedonia, where solar contributes nearly 49% of electricity, or Nevada, with 34%. Emphasizing solar energy, especially given the country's ample sunny days, can significantly ramp up its clean energy production. Additionally, investing in nuclear energy would be wise. Regions like France and Slovakia generate a significant portion of their electricity from nuclear energy — 67% and 66%, respectively. Integrating more solar and nuclear facilities could help the Dominican Republic significantly enhance its low-carbon energy capacity and reduce its dependency on fossil fuels, contributing positively to the global fight against climate change and air pollution.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in the Dominican Republic reveals periods of fluctuation, especially concerning hydropower. In the 1980s, hydropower experienced both growth and decline, and this pattern continued into the 1990s and early 2000s, with varying increases followed by decreases. By the 2010s, the hydropower sector saw both gains and losses, with a notable decline in 2014. However, 2023 marked a positive turning point, as hydropower, solar, and wind all saw increases, indicating a renewed focus on low-carbon sources. Solar energy, in particular, showed noteworthy growth, with a significant increase of 0.9 TWh in 2023, followed by another rise in 2025. This trajectory demonstrates a commitment towards a more sustainable electricity grid, reflecting a historical shift towards cleaner electricity practices after years of instability. With continued investment and strategic development, the Dominican Republic has a clear path to expanding its sustainable electricity generation.
