In 2024, the Dominican Republic continues to rely heavily on fossil fuels for its electricity needs, with over 80% of its electricity derived from non-renewable sources. Specifically, gas and coal contribute almost evenly, accounting for about 31% and 30% respectively. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources make up slightly less than one-fifth of the total electricity generation. Solar energy leads the way among these clean options, contributing nearly 7%, followed closely by hydropower and wind, with each contributing roughly 7% and 4% respectively. It is imperative for the Dominican Republic to increase its share of clean energy to combat climate change and reduce air pollution associated with fossil fuels.
Is Electricity Growing in Dominican Republic?
Electricity consumption in the Dominican Republic has shown positive growth, increasing to 2,321 kWh per person in 2024, which marks a notable rise from its previous record of 2,167 kWh per person in 2023. This growth of 154 kWh per person reflects a promising trend towards higher electricity usage, potentially driven by urbanization and industrial growth. Similarly, clean electricity generation has increased, with the latest figures showing 432 kWh per person, compared to the previous record of 374 kWh per person in the previous year. This change of 58 kWh per person suggests a positive shift towards an increased reliance on low-carbon sources, yet more efforts are necessary to ensure a sustainable energy future.
Suggestions
To further boost its low-carbon electricity generation, the Dominican Republic can take inspiration from various regions worldwide. The successful integration of wind energy in Iowa and South Dakota, each generating over 50% of their electricity from this clean source, is a promising model, particularly given similar geographic potential for wind power in the Dominican Republic. Additionally, the prolific use of nuclear energy in countries like France and Slovakia, where it constitutes over 60% of the electricity mix, illustrates the potential of nuclear power as a reliable and sustainable low-carbon option. Emulating this nuclear advancement could significantly bolster the Dominican Republic's clean energy capacity. Lastly, learning from the solar successes of places like Lebanon, where solar accounts for 31% of electricity generation, can guide the Dominican Republic to harness its abundant sunlight effectively.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in the Dominican Republic has largely been shaped by hydropower developments. This began in the late 1970s, where the country saw a modest increase in hydroelectric generation, followed by some fluctuations in subsequent decades. The 1980s were marked by variation, with small gains and significant drops, such as a decline of 1.2 TWh in 1989. However, the late 1990s and early 2000s showed a mixed pattern, with both increases and decreases, signaling an inconsistent commitment to hydropower. From the mid-2010s onward, the situation stabilized somewhat, with tentative growth evident. Notably, the recent years witnessed the introduction of solar energy contributing positively, with a 0.5 TWh increase in 2024. The future lies in consistently advancing these efforts, with particular focus on expanding solar and nuclear energy sources for a more stable and sustainable electricity supply.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.