Boosting energy transition in the Dominican Republic

MCET, the forerunner to (and an ongoing part of) the RESET Network, formed a strategic partnership with EDF and the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Energy and Mines. Researchers from Chile used their expertise to connect with and support local policy makers, researchers and modelers. The aim was to equip the Ministry with a powerful modeling tool to help them plan and prepare their energy transition.  

This partnership used an open-source power system modeling tool, Switch, alongside technical support to design a detailed model of the Dominican electricity system. The modeling of scenarios for the planning and operation of the Dominican electricity system until 2050 made it possible to identify the most viable routes to reduce emissions, as well as the levels of investment needed to meet the country’s current policy objectives and climate commitments.

Together the partners also explored and evaluated:

• innovative models that mobilize resources to accelerate decarbonization in developing countries
• the impact of regulatory measures to accelerate the adoption of renewable energies to ensure the transition is technically and socially just.

This allows the Ministry to have clear and transparent information to explore its options to join the the Kinetic Coalition, a U.S.-led global initiative that mobilizes resources to accelerate decarbonization in developing countries. 

Key to the success of the partnership were the:

• transfer of technical and technological capabilities
• facilitation of the development of capacities and strategies adapted to local realities
• communication in a shared language from others in the same region who could appreciate the local conditions
• support for decision-making based on transparent, solid and reliable information, thanks to the design of representative scenarios. 

RESET Network members from Chile are continuing to work with the Ministry of Energy and Mines, facilitating the training of its technical team in the implementation and use of the Switch modeling tool and the operation of the electricity planning model developed for the Dominican Republic. This will allow energy policies to be adjusted to reflect the changing context of the sector. 

While the Ministry and the Dominican Republic’s National Energy Commission have not yet formalized its official use, the Switch tool has been internally and externally validated for its accuracy, flexibility, and open-access nature and is a leading option for long-term electricity planning in the country.

The experience is a great example of the value of South-South partnerships in the creation of collaborative solutions to help developing countries lead their transition to a cleaner and more equitable energy future.