The Dominican Republic will host the XI Energy Week of the Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE), the region’s leading energy gathering, bringing together authorities from 27 countries to discuss the strategic challenges of the regional energy transition, with an emphasis on a just energy transition, technological innovation, regional energy integration, and energy security.
The event, organized by OLACDE together with the Ministries of Energy and Mines, Foreign Affairs, and state-owned companies linked to the Dominican Republic’s electricity sector, will take place in October and will feature more than 200 panelists and nearly 3,000 participants, including representatives from governments, the private sector, multilateral organizations, and civil society.
Highlighted activities include the LVI Meeting of Ministers of Energy, the IV OLACDE Business Council, and technical sessions on the main challenges facing the energy sector, such as the expansion of renewable energy and energy efficiency and security in the face of climate change.
“The Dominican Republic is positioning itself as the epicenter of energy dialogue in Latin America and the Caribbean by hosting the XI Energy Week of the Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization. This is the most influential event in the regional energy sector, where consensus and solutions for the energy transition are built,” said the Minister of Energy and Mines, Joel Santos.
He announced that the country is advancing toward consolidating itself as an energy hub for the Caribbean and that it will launch a National Energy Storage Agenda, key to integrating more renewables and ensuring system stability.
“This is a clear message to the world: the Dominican Republic is not only participating in the energy transition, it is leading it from the Caribbean,” he said.
Santos reported that by the end of this month the Energía 2000 natural gas plant (290 MW in simple cycle) will be added to the electrical system, and that the combined cycle will be completed over the summer, bringing generation to a total of 414 MW. “By 2027-2028, San Felipe I (460 MW), Manzanillo I (426 MW), and Manzanillo II will come into operation, strengthening the reliability of the system. In addition, 138 MW of batteries will be incorporated, with another 300 MW in process, and preparations for the submarine cable with Puerto Rico are moving forward, strengthening energy security and enabling regional exchange.”
Meanwhile, OLACDE’s Executive Secretary, Andrés Rebolledo, highlighted that energy has become a central pillar for economic development, technological innovation, and security in a global context marked by major transformations.
He also emphasized that Energy Week will be the ideal setting for the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean to discuss the energy transition, strengthening systems, regional integration, and building a shared vision for the future of the sector.
Event details
The XI Energy Week will feature a schedule of side events that will enrich the multisectoral dialogue on the main challenges and opportunities facing the energy sector, bringing together actors from the public and private sectors and civil society.
The awards ceremony for the third edition of the Energy Excellence Awards will also be held, recognizing outstanding initiatives driven by public, private, academic, and community actors.
The Dominican Republic, as the host country for this eleventh edition, stands out for its ambitious energy policy. It has achieved 25% renewable energy in its electricity mix, driven mainly by solar photovoltaic technology. It also promotes a modern regulatory framework for energy efficiency and low-emission land-use planning.
The organizers have set up the official website www.semanadelaenergia.olade.org, where interested individuals can register free of charge as participants and learn more about the program.
The event was attended by Ambassador Hugo Rivera, Vice Minister of Economic Affairs and International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; OLACDE’s Chief of Staff, Mijal Brady; the Superintendent of Electricity, Andrés Astacio; and OLACDE’s Director of Integration, Access and Energy Security, Gloria Alvarenga.
Also participating were the Executive Director of the National Energy Commission, Edward Veras; the President of the Unified Council of Electricity Distribution Companies, Celso Marranzini; the Executive Vice President of the Dominican Electricity Transmission Company (ETED), Alfonso Rodríguez; the Executive Director of the Dominican Hydroelectric Generation Company (EGEHID), Rafael Salazar; and the Senior Technical Director of the Punta Catalina Thermoelectric Plant, George Reinoso.
Watch the full event at the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FW20CWYKZTk
