The Dominican Republic will host the 11th Energy Week of the Latin American Energy Organisation (OLADE/OLACDE), the main energy gathering in Latin America and the Caribbean, bringing together authorities from 27 countries to discuss the strategic challenges of the regional energy transition, with a focus on a just energy transition, technological innovation, regional energy integration and energy security.
The event, organised by OLACDE, together with the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Energy and Mines, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and state-owned companies linked to the electricity sector, will take place in October. It will feature more than 200 speakers and nearly 3,000 participants, including representatives from governments, the private sector, multilateral organisations and civil society.
Among the key activities are the 56th Meeting of Energy Ministers, the 4th OLACDE Business Council, and technical sessions addressing the main challenges of the energy sector, such as renewable energy expansion, energy efficiency and energy security in the context of climate change.
“The Dominican Republic is positioning itself as the epicentre of energy dialogue in Latin America and the Caribbean by hosting the 11th Energy Week of the Latin American Energy Organisation. This is the most influential event in the regional energy sector, where consensus and solutions for the energy transition are built,” said Joel Santos, the Dominican Republic’s Minister of Energy and Mines.
He announced that the country is moving forward with plans to consolidate itself as a Caribbean energy hub and will launch a National Energy Storage Agenda, considered key to integrating more renewable energy and ensuring system stability.
“This sends a clear message to the world: the Dominican Republic is not only participating in the energy transition, but it is also leading it from the Caribbean,” he said.
Santos also reported that by the end of this month the Energía 2000 natural gas-fired power plant (290 MW simple cycle) will be connected to the national electricity system, and that during the summer, it will complete its combined-cycle configuration, reaching a total generation capacity of 414 MW.
“By 2027–2028, San Felipe I (460 MW), Manzanillo I (426 MW), and Manzanillo II will enter operation, strengthening the reliability of the system. In addition, 138 MW of battery storage will be incorporated, with another 300 MW currently under development. Preparations are also advancing for a submarine interconnection cable with Puerto Rico, strengthening energy security and enabling regional electricity exchange,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Andrés Rebolledo, Executive Secretary of OLACDE, 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 emphasised that Energy Week will provide the ideal setting for countries across Latin America and the Caribbean to discuss energy transition, system strengthening, regional integration and the development of a shared vision for the future of the sector.
Event details
During the 11th Energy Week, a programme of parallel activities will be held to enrich multisector dialogue on the main challenges and opportunities facing the energy sector, bringing together stakeholders from the public sector, private industry and civil society.
The event will also include the awards ceremony of the third edition of the Energy Excellence Awards, which recognise outstanding initiatives promoted by public institutions, private companies, academia and community organisations.
As the host country of this eleventh edition, the Dominican Republic stands out for its ambitious energy policy. The country has already achieved 25% renewable energy in its electricity mix, driven mainly by solar photovoltaic (PV) technology.
In addition, the government is promoting a modern regulatory framework for energy efficiency and low-emission land-use planning.
The organisers have launched the official website www.semanadelaenergia.olade.org, where interested participants can register free of charge and find further details about the programme.
