August 4, 2023
In a ceremony led by the President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, the Haina Electricity Generating Company (EGE Haina) inaugurated the Esperanza Solar Park, located in the Esperanza municipality, Valverde province.
With an investment of approximately USD 94 million dollars and an installed capacity of 90 megawatts (MW), this new plant will generate an estimated 200,000 megawatt hours (MWh) annually, enough to supply the demand of more than 80,000 homes each year.
This plant is the second largest in the country, after the 120 megawatt Girasol Solar Park, which is also owned by EGE Haina. The Esperanza Solar Park was built on a 180-hectare plot of land. Of this area, 25% was preserved, to preserve the endemic vegetation of the area, maintain natural drainage, and minimize the impact of earth movement during the development of the project.
In the central words of the act, José A. Rodríguez Silvestre, general manager of EGE Haina, highlighted that with the Esperanza Solar Park, EGE Haina reaches almost 400 MW of wind and solar generation capacity, and advances towards its goal of developing an additional 1,000 MW of renewable energy by 2030.
“Today, 35% of our installed capacity is clean energy. If we add the 37% of capacity coming from our natural gas plants, we can affirm that 72% of our energy matrix is already sustainable. This is a highly significant achievement, which demonstrates our determination and dedication to contribute to the change towards a cleaner, more affordable and resilient energy future for the Dominican nation,” said the executive.
Rodríguez Silvestre stressed that the generation of energy from this solar park will prevent the importation of 330,000 barrels of oil each year and the emission into the atmosphere of 125,000 tons of CO₂, thus reducing dependence on fossil fuels and contributing to the country’s energy security. . He explained that the hydrocarbon saved with the Esperanza Solar Park represents more than 25 million dollars per year, also reduces the vulnerability associated with fluctuations in international fuel prices and avoids the uncertainty derived from their availability.
The act included the words of His Excellency the President of the Republic, Mr. Luis Abinader, who stressed that the government is very satisfied with the work of EGE Haina. In addition, he pointed out that he will continue to support the company in its growth, not only in the country but also in other projects at the regional level in the American continent.
While the Minister of Energy and Mines, Antonio Almonte, positively assessed the importance of this project for the National Interconnected Electric System, SENI.
The Esperanza Solar Park is made up of a total of 166,670 bifacial solar panels, which allow receiving solar radiation to produce energy through its two faces. In turn, the panels have a system of solar position trackers that rotate 104 degrees depending on the displacement of the sun, to guarantee a better use of the irradiation of the area, which is higher than the average for the Dominican Republic.
Another special feature of this plant is that it houses a digital substation, the first and most advanced in the country, as well as a 13.1 km long 138 kV transmission line, and also included the adaptation of a line field in the substation of Navarrete to transmit the energy generated to homes and businesses.
During construction, more than 800 people were employed, mostly local labor from the communities near the project. Added to this contribution are various initiatives, such as the construction and improvement of community infrastructures, which have initiated the company’s permanent collaboration with the surrounding communities to promote their progress.
The president cut the ribbon accompanied by senior government officials, shareholders, members of the Board of Directors and top executives of EGE Haina. In addition, government and municipal authorities, clients, contractors related to the construction of this park, representatives of financial entities, business associations, representatives of the diplomatic corps in the country and the media attended the opening ceremony.
About EGE Haina
It is the main public-private company in the country by assets, investment and contribution to the State. Since 1999, it has invested close to USD 1.3 billion dollars in power generation plants. More than two decades after its creation, it has maintained its commitment to the development of the country through the production of sustainable energy, and to contribute to the growth and well-being of its employees and the communities where it operates. It currently operates 1,149 MW with a diversified fuel matrix and is the leader in the Antilles in non-conventional renewable energy (wind and sun); 72% of the company’s installed capacity being sustainable energy (renewables and natural gas).
For more information, contact Karolyn Rosa , coordinator atof Communications, by email: rosak@egehaina.com , or cell phone: 809-357-1353.
