Dominican Republic will also harness wind power

The National Energy Commission (CNE) of the Dominican Republic has announced that three wind farms will be put into service in 2011, for a total capacity of 113 MW.

Specifically, the first 33 MW wind turbines plant is expected to start operations in May in Pedernales. Subsequently, a 30 MW wind farm facility will be put into service in Bani, while the third 50 MW wind farm will be installed on the northern coast, in Puerto Plata.

CNE President Enrique Ramirez said that the Dominican Republic is looking for a solution that will definitely solve energy problems and has identified wind power as a significant way to reduce the use of fossil fuels.

Ramirez also announced that projects for energy generation from sugar cane ethanol, initially included in the government’s plans to increase the country’s energy production, have been set aside.

The Dominican Republic in the West Indies occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti. 18,680 sq mi (48,381 sq km). Population (2010 est.): 9,794,487.

www.enelgreenpower.com

www.nrel.gov/docs/fy99osti/27032.pdf