In 2025, the Dominican Republic’s electricity generation is primarily fossil fuel-dependent, with such sources contributing to nearly four-fifths of its total electricity production. Among fossil fuels, gas and coal dominate, making up close to 40% and almost 30%, respectively. Low-carbon energy sources, though still a minority in the energy mix, account for a little over one-fifth of the electricity. Solar energy leads the low-carbon segment with slightly more than 9%, followed by hydropower at around 6.5%, and wind power contributing close to 5%. While low-carbon electricity plays a significant role, there's enormous potential for growth, especially in expanding solar and possibly introducing nuclear energy into the mix to further reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Dominican Republic?
The comparison of electricity consumption between 2024 and 2025 reveals a concerning trend. The average electricity use per person dropped from 2,204 kWh in 2024 to 2,067 kWh in 2025, indicating a decrease of 137 kWh per person. This decline is worrying, considering the increasing importance of electricity in modern life, from meeting daily needs to powering technological advancements like AI. However, a positive note is the growth in low-carbon electricity generation, which rose by 73 kWh per person, reaching 440 kWh per person in 2025. This progress is encouraging, but the overall decrease in electricity consumption suggests a need for policies and investments that ensure robust growth in both total and low-carbon electricity generation in the future.
Suggestions
To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, the Dominican Republic could look to successful regions like Nevada and California for solar energy expansion and Denmark or Iowa for wind energy development. This can be augmented by integrating nuclear power, drawing inspiration from countries such as France, where nuclear energy constitutes a significant portion of the energy mix. By diversifying its low-carbon portfolio to include both solar and nuclear energy, the Dominican Republic can significantly cut down its fossil fuel dependency, mitigate climate change impact, and pave the way toward a sustainable and secure energy future. The lessons from these regions demonstrate the importance of policy frameworks and technological investment to create a greener energy landscape.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in the Dominican Republic shows fluctuating developments. In the early 1980s and 1990s, hydro energy witnessed both growth and declines, highlighting an inconsistent expansion during these decades. The initial years of the 21st century saw a similar pattern with minor variations in hydropower output. More recently, in 2022, there were declines in hydro, wind, and solar energy, signaling potential setbacks. However, 2023 marked a turning point with robust rebounds and new investments in solar and wind energy, reflected in growth both in 2023 and 2025. This historical inconsistency emphasizes the importance of strategic focus and stable policy commitment toward expanding low-carbon electricity generation to secure a reliable and sustainable energy future in the Dominican Republic.
