Strengthening clean power generation in the Dominican Republic
Introduction
Swedfund is supporting the Dominican Republic in strengthening its renewable energy sector and ensuring a more reliable and sustainable electricity supply.
Swedfund’s Project Accelerator is contributing to an initiative that reinforces sustainable and reliable power generation, a critical need for local communities. The Project Accelerator helps develop sustainable infrastructure projects that can attract long-term financing and support their effective implementation. The project forms part of the national plan to reach 25% of power generation from renewables.
A global energy challenge
Reliable and stable electricity is essential not only for economic growth and public services but also for improving health, education, and overall quality of life. Despite global progress, universal access to electricity remains out of reach. By 2030, an estimated 660 million people may still lack electricity, according to WHO (2024).
The Dominican Republic relies mainly on fossil fuels, but hydropower is an important part of the renewable energy mix. Swedfund’s support focuses on modernising key hydroelectric plants to increase clean energy production and improve the stability of the national electricity system.
Modernising existing plants
Swedfund’s engagement focuses on the rehabilitation, optimisation and modernisation of two priority hydroelectric plants, Aguacate and Río Blanco. The project aims to extend the operational lifetime of at least 25 years. These plants will form a foundation for a wider programme aimed at upgrading all 27 hydroelectric facilities in the country. The collaboration includes technical knowledge transfer, procurement support, and the introduction of more efficient and innovative working methods.
The project is done with support from Team Sweden, with support from the Swedish Embassy located in Cuba to connect with local actors. It is run by the Dominican Hydroelectric Generation Company, EGEHID, who is leading this forward-looking effort to strengthen its renewable energy assets, with Swedfund being a supporting partner. By improving the performance of existing plants, the initiative contributes to a more stable and sustainable electricity supply for the country.
EGEHID currently operates 27 hydroelectric plants and a photovoltaic park. Many of these facilities have been in operation for more than 40 years and require substantial modernisation to meet today’s standards for efficient, reliable and climate-resilient electricity generation.
Swedfund’s commitment to energy and climate
This work is part of Swedfund’s broader commitment to energy and climate. Swedfund supports projects in renewable energy generation, sustainable infrastructure, and solutions that promote energy access and environmental sustainability.
Read more about our Project Accelerator
Read more about Swedfund's commitment to energy and climate
Read more on the Dominican Hydroelectric Generation Company EGEHID:s website (In Spanish)