In 2024, the Dominican Republic continues to rely heavily on fossil fuels, with more than four-fifths of its electricity being generated from these sources. Gas accounts for a bit over two-fifths of the electricity mix, while coal contributes almost a third. Despite this heavy reliance on fossil fuels, low-carbon sources make up about one-sixth of the country's electricity generation. This clean energy portion consists of hydropower, solar, and wind, each providing nearly equal shares. These eco-friendly sources remain a small yet significant part of the energy landscape, contributing to reducing carbon emissions and promoting a greener future.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Dominican Republic?
Electricity consumption in the Dominican Republic is on the rise, an encouraging sign of economic and infrastructural growth. The latest figures show a per capita consumption of 2204 kWh, surpassing the previous year's record of 2105 kWh per person. This marks an increase of 99 kWh per person, showcasing a growing demand for electricity, reflective of both population growth and increased dependence on electrical devices and systems. Low-carbon electricity is also seeing positive changes, with per capita generation rising to 367 kWh from the previous record of 343 kWh in 2021, marking a growth of 24 kWh per person. This increase indicates progress toward a more sustainable energy system, but it's evident that further efforts are needed to transition toward a larger share of clean energy.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, the Dominican Republic can draw lessons from regions excelling in solar and wind energy, while considering the potential benefits of nuclear energy. For instance, Nevada and California have harnessed solar power efficiently, achieving 33% and 29% of their electricity from this source, respectively. Their success highlights the significant potential for solar implementation in a sun-rich region like the Dominican Republic. Additionally, countries and states such as Denmark and South Dakota demonstrate the effectiveness of wind power, serving as models for integrating wind into the Dominican grid. The successful implementation of nuclear energy, seen in countries like France with an impressive 70% electricity share from nuclear, showcases its potential to provide near-zero emissions power consistently. Embracing a diverse mix of solar, wind, and nuclear could significantly bolster the Dominican Republic's journey toward a sustainable energy future.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in the Dominican Republic has been a journey of incremental growth punctuated by periods of decline, particularly in hydropower infrastructure. In the late 1970s and 1980s, hydropower increments were notable, with 1976 and 1981 showing positive growth. However, the latter part of the 1980s saw setbacks, particularly with a substantial decline in 1989. The 1990s and early 2000s exhibited fluctuating growth patterns, marked by intermittent increases and decreases in hydropower capacity. The last years of the 2010s and early 2020s experienced more instability, especially in 2022 with reductions in solar, wind, and hydro generation. Nonetheless, 2023 brought a positive reversal with significant growth in solar, wind, and hydropower, marking hope for future low-carbon developments. The Dominican Republic's ability to adapt and grow its clean energy output remains crucial for its green energy ambitions.
