Efficient Interconnection: Dominican Republic-Puerto Rico Submarine Cable Project
Key Ideas
- The Hostos Project, led by Caribbean Transmission, will kick off in 2027, connecting the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico via a $1.2 billion submarine cable.
- The cable, with a 116 km length and capable of 700 MW, aims to address energy challenges sustainably using natural gas, solar, and green hydrogen.
- The initiative intends to cover about 20% of Puerto Rico's energy needs, fostering a bidirectional energy market and not drawing power from the Dominican system.
- Steps are being taken to ensure environmental sustainability, including avoiding impacts on marine ecosystems through proper cable installation below the sea floor.
Caribbean Transmission is set to embark on the Hostos Project, linking the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico through a groundbreaking electrical interconnection using a submarine cable. With a hefty investment of US$1,200 million for cable installation and an additional US$1 billion for electricity generation, the project is slated to commence construction in 2027. This ambitious initiative, aimed at providing an efficient and sustainable solution to energy challenges encountered by both islands, will see a high-voltage submarine cable spanning 116 km and offering a capacity of up to 700 MW. Environmental consciousness is paramount in the project, with measures in place to ensure minimal impact on the coasts and marine life of both countries. The project will utilize a mix of natural gas, solar, and green hydrogen on the Dominican side to fuel its energy needs. Furthermore, by bolstering the networks of both nations, the Hostos Project seeks to address 20% of Puerto Rico's energy requirements without burdening the Dominican electricity system. This strategic interconnection paves the way for a two-way energy market, enabling the exchange and trading of energy surpluses, thereby fostering fresh economic and investment prospects. The project's leaders emphasize that the cable will not siphon energy from the Dominican Republic and stress their commitment to upholding environmental standards. As they navigate through the necessary approvals, the team is diligently conducting environmental studies to ensure a sustainable and responsible execution of this transformative initiative.