Dominican Republic Completes Solar Photovoltaic Microgrid Projects in Eight Rural Communities with Investment Exceeding 63.3 Million Pesos

en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) has completed two photovoltaic electrification projects in eight rural communities in the mountainous area of Pedro Santana, Elías Piña province, connecting 111 households and two schools to electricity. These facilities are powered by photovoltaic solar systems equipped with energy storage, implemented by the Rural and Suburban Electrification Directorate (DERS) under the Ministry of Energy and Mines, with support from the Presidency, the Ministry of Finance and Economy, Guakía Ambiente, and the Dominican Institute for Comprehensive Development (IDDI).

The first project covers three communities—Rancho Tomás, Rancho Valdés, and Pequero—and involves the construction of a solar microgrid with a total photovoltaic capacity of 46 kWp; the energy storage system capacity has not been disclosed. The project also includes internal electrical installations for 53 households, with an investment of 31,377,397 Dominican pesos.

The second project serves the communities of Valentín, Guayabal, Bartolo, and Botoncillo, as well as the second phase of Rincón. This microgrid is equipped with 179.4 kWh of energy storage and completes internal electrical installations for 58 households and two schools, with an investment exceeding 32 million Dominican pesos. The government has not yet disclosed the photovoltaic capacity corresponding to this microgrid.

Together, the two projects represent a total investment of more than 63.3 million Dominican pesos, covering the communities of Rancho Tomás, Rancho Valdés, Pequero, Rincón, Valentín, Guayabal, Bartolo, and Botoncillo.

Minister of Energy and Mines Joel Santos stated during the facilities' commissioning that the electricity supply will help these previously unpowered communities preserve food, extend study hours, and support the use of small appliances and production equipment.

The Ministry of Energy and Mines also announced new electrification works in Elías Piña province for 2026, with an investment of approximately 46.3 million Dominican pesos. The plan includes grid extensions in Cañada Barrero and La Tinaja, as well as grid rehabilitation and expansion in Pinzón. New solar systems will also be built in La Sierrecita, Patricio, Francisco José, La Nasa, and La Llanadita.

Additionally, the Ministry is conducting survey work for 12 other electrification projects in Carrizal, Los Cerros de Potroso, Potro Blanco, La Herradura, La Viejaca, Majuana, and El Charco Colorado, located in the municipality of Comendador.