The Dominican Republic will host the 11th Energy Week of the Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE), the region’s premier energy forum. The event will convene authorities from 27 countries to discuss key challenges of the regional energy transition, with a focus on a just transition, technological innovation, regional energy integration, and energy security.
Organized by OLACDE in coordination with the Ministries of Energy and Mines, Foreign Affairs, and state-owned companies linked to the electricity sector in the Dominican Republic, the event will take place in October. It will feature more than 200 panelists and nearly 3,000 participants, including representatives from governments, the private sector, multilateral organizations, and civil society.
Key activities will include the 56th Meeting of Energy Ministers, the 4th OLACDE Business Council, and technical sessions addressing major sector challenges such as renewable energy expansion, energy efficiency, and energy security in the context of climate change.
“By hosting the 11th Energy Week of the Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization, the Dominican Republic positions itself as the epicenter of regional energy dialogue. This is the most influential event in the regional energy sector, where consensus is built and solutions for the energy transition are developed,” said the Minister of Energy and Mines, Joel Santos.
He also announced that the country is advancing toward becoming an energy hub in the Caribbean and will launch a National Energy Storage Agenda, a key step to integrate more renewable energy and ensure system stability.
“This sends 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 added.
Santos further noted that by the end of this month, the Energía 2000 natural gas plant (290 MW, simple cycle) will be integrated into the national grid, with its combined cycle expected to be completed during the summer, reaching a total capacity of 414 MW. “Between 2027 and 2028, San Felipe I (460 MW), Manzanillo I (426 MW), and Manzanillo II will come online, strengthening system reliability. Additionally, 138 MW of battery storage will be incorporated, with another 300 MW under development. Preparations for a submarine cable with Puerto Rico are also advancing, enhancing energy security and enabling regional exchange.”
Meanwhile, OLACDE 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 profound transformations.
He emphasized that Energy Week will provide an ideal platform for countries across Latin America and the Caribbean to engage in dialogue on energy transition, system strengthening, regional integration, and the development of a shared vision for the future of the sector.
Event Details
The 11th Energy Week will feature a comprehensive agenda of parallel activities aimed at enriching multisectoral dialogue on the main challenges and opportunities in the energy sector, bringing together stakeholders from the public sector, private sector, and civil society.
The event will also host the awards ceremony for the third edition of the Energy Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding initiatives led by public, private, academic, and community actors.
As host country, the Dominican Republic stands out for its ambitious energy policy. It has achieved a 25% share of renewable energy in its electricity matrix, driven primarily by solar photovoltaic technology. The country is also promoting a modern regulatory framework focused on energy efficiency and low-emission territorial planning.
The official website—www.semanadelaenergia.olade.org—has been launched, where interested participants can register free of charge and access detailed information about the program.
The event was attended by Ambassador Hugo Rivera, Vice Minister of Economic Affairs and International Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; OLACDE Chief of Staff Mijal Brady; Superintendent of Electricity Andrés Astacio; and OLACDE Director of Integration, Access and Energy Security Gloria Alvarenga.
Also present were Edward Veras, Executive Director of the National Energy Commission; Celso Marranzini, President of the Unified Council of Electricity Distribution Companies; Alfonso Rodríguez, Executive Vice President of the Dominican Electricity Transmission Company (ETED); Rafael Salazar, Executive Director of the Dominican Hydroelectric Generation Company (EGEHID); and George Reinoso, Senior Technical Director of the Punta Catalina Thermoelectric Plant.
Watch the full event at the link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FW20CWYKZTk
