In 2024, the Dominican Republic's electricity consumption is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with more than 80% of electricity being generated from these sources. Gas and coal make up the majority, accounting for about 41% and 30% of the mix, respectively. Low-carbon sources contribute almost 17% to the overall electricity generation, with hydropower being the most significant at roughly 6%. Solar energy follows closely behind at around 6%, while wind energy rounds out the low-carbon offerings at about 4%. This distribution signifies a significant dependence on fossil energy, overshadowing the rather modest share of clean, sustainable 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 in the Dominican Republic is on an upward trajectory, showcasing growth both in total consumption and in low-carbon generation. In 2024, the consumption climbed to 2204 kWh per person, surpassing the previous year’s record by nearly 100 kWh. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation saw an increase, reaching 367 kWh per person, which is 24 kWh more than its previous high in 2021. This positive trend in electricity consumption and the rise in low-carbon contributions indicates an encouraging movement towards embracing more sustainable energy solutions while keeping up with the increasing demand.
Suggestions
To enhance the share of low-carbon electricity, the Dominican Republic can look to successful regions for inspiration. Solar and wind energy offer substantial potential for expansion. Regions like Nevada and California have achieved more than 30% of their electricity generation from solar energy, demonstrating the viability of solar as a major contributor. Similarly, Denmark, Iowa, and South Dakota have integrated wind into their energy mix to cover over 50% of their electricity needs. Additionally, adopting nuclear energy practices from countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear constitutes over half of the electricity generation, could significantly bolster the Dominican Republic’s clean energy portfolio. By investing in and adopting similar strategies, the country can increase its low-carbon electricity production, thus reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change and air pollution.
History
Examining the historical data on low-carbon electricity in the Dominican Republic, hydropower has witnessed numerous fluctuations over the decades. During the late 1970s and 1980s, there were periods of growth, but substantial declines surfaced around the end of the 1980s and early 1990s. The 2000s saw alternating years of minor increases and decreases, reflecting an inconsistency which persisted into the 2010s. Notably, 2022 marked a significant dip in low-carbon energy with reductions in hydro, wind, and solar power. However, 2023 brought some recovery, especially in solar and wind. This historical context underscores the importance of establishing a more reliable and robust low-carbon infrastructure to prevent future declines and to position the country on a stable path towards a greener energy future.
