In the Dominican Republic, the state of electricity consumption in 2024 remains highly reliant on fossil fuels, with more than four-fifths (around 83%) of its electricity generated from fossil sources such as gas and coal. Gas contributes to about 41%, while coal accounts for 30% of the total electricity generation. The remaining portion, representing around 17%, comes from low-carbon sources, which include hydropower, solar, and wind energy. Within the low-carbon category, hydropower leads slightly, making up approximately 6% of the energy mix, closely followed almost equally by solar and wind, each contributing around 6% and 4%, respectively. This distribution highlights the room for improvement in the adoption of clean energy technologies, as transitioning further away from fossil fuels is crucial for a sustainable energy 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 has been on an upward trend, demonstrating growth, with the latest per capita consumption rising to 2204 kWh in 2024. This figure marks an increase of 99 kWh compared to the previous year's record of 2105 kWh, indicating a positive development in energy consumption. More importantly, the increase in low-carbon electricity generation has also been noteworthy, with the generation rising to 367 kWh per person, compared to the previous record of 343 kWh set in 2021. This 24 kWh increase signifies an encouraging step towards expanding the share of clean and sustainable energy within the country's energy portfolio, underscoring the positive movement towards reducing dependence on fossil energy sources.
Suggestions
To propel low-carbon electricity generation even further, the Dominican Republic should take note of successful regions around the globe. France and Slovakia, for example, have demonstrated the potential of nuclear energy, contributing 70% and 66% of their electricity, respectively, from nuclear power. Additionally, Denmark and Iowa showcase the robust capability of wind energy to supply around 60% of electricity in their respective regions. Implementing these technologies could significantly bolster the Dominican Republic's clean energy efforts. Emphasizing the potential of solar energy, regions like Nevada, Lebanon, and Cyprus, where solar energy accounts for nearly a third of electricity generation, can serve as motivational examples. By prioritizing investments in nuclear and solar technologies, the Dominican Republic can not only ensure a more resilient and sustainable energy system but also significantly reduce emissions.
History
Historically, the development of low-carbon electricity, particularly hydropower, in the Dominican Republic has been somewhat inconsistent. Since the late 1970s, there have been fluctuations in hydropower generation, with notable increases in years like 1981 and 1993, yet intermittent years saw declines, such as in 1989 and 2014. The past decade has seen further inconsistency in clean energy development, especially in 2022, when all low-carbon sources like hydro, wind, and solar experienced declines. However, 2023 demonstrated a positive turnaround, with all three sources showing growth — solar and wind both increased by 0.9 TWh, and hydro grew by 0.8 TWh. This pattern reinforces the importance of consistent investment and development in the low-carbon sector, highlighting the need for a stable and sustained focus on clean energy growth.
