In 2024, the electricity consumption in the Dominican Republic is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, accounting for more than 80% of the total electricity generated. A significant portion of this, about 41%, comes from gas, while coal contributes nearly 30%. Low-carbon energy sources, which are crucial for sustainable development and combating climate change, make up a smaller fraction, at under 17%. Within this category, hydropower, solar, and wind contribute almost equally, with each providing between 4% to 6% of the clean electricity. With the global need to reduce carbon emissions, there is a clear opportunity for the Dominican Republic to expand its low-carbon electricity sources.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Dominican Republic?
Electricity consumption per person in the Dominican Republic is on an upward trend, demonstrating a growth in demand and utilization. The latest figure for 2024 stands at 2204 kWh per person, which represents an increase of 99 kWh from the previous year, 2023, which held the earlier record. This steady rise indicates a positive trend in electricity accessibility and use throughout the country. Additionally, the uptick in low-carbon electricity generation per person is noteworthy, climbing to 367 kWh in 2024, surpassing the 2021 record by 24 kWh. This incremental growth in clean electricity generation is commendable and aligns with the global agenda for sustainable energy.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, the Dominican Republic can learn from regions that have successfully adopted solar and nuclear energy. For example, Nevada, with 33% of its electricity from solar energy, demonstrates the effectiveness of maximizing solar potential. In terms of nuclear energy, countries such as France and Slovakia achieve high percentages of nuclear electricity, underscoring the feasibility and dependability of nuclear power. By investing in both solar and nuclear energy infrastructure, the Dominican Republic could not only diversify its energy portfolio but also ensure a greener and more sustainable energy future.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in the Dominican Republic has been marked by fluctuations, particularly in hydropower. In the late 20th century, beginning in 1976, there were initial increases in hydroelectric generation, but this was followed by several years of decline, most notably in 1989 and again in 2022. Despite these setbacks, the recent years have seen improvements, with significant increases in both solar and wind electricity generation observed in 2023. These developments reflect a growing commitment to expanding low-carbon energy sources, promising a more sustainable path forward for the country.
