Dominican Republic Eyes Clean Energy Cooperation With UAE To Combat Climate Change

In a strategic effort to address climate change, the Dominican Republic is setting its sights on enhancing clean energy collaboration with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This initiative was spotlighted during discussions with two high-ranking officials from the Caribbean country at the sidelines of the International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IRENA) Assembly in Abu Dhabi. They underscored the significant opportunities for UAE’s investment in renewable energy within the Dominican Republic, aiming for mutual benefits in this burgeoning sector.

Rafael Orlando Gómez Del Giudice, Vice Minister of Energy of the Dominican Republic, emphasized the importance of this partnership. "Engaging more effectively with the UAE has enabled us to establish open communication channels, share experiences, and seek opportunities for collaboration and joint financing," he stated. Del Giudice highlighted the potential for projects that could enhance energy transmission and increase renewable energy penetration in both countries.

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Del Giudice also pointed out the Dominican Republic's progress towards a net-zero future, with a notable doubling of its renewable energy matrix in the past four years. He mentioned, "Accelerated deployment of renewable energy would not only lower energy costs for consumers but also create new employment opportunities, stimulate economic activity, and help meet international climate commitments." The vice minister shared insights into the country's exploration of hydrogen as a renewable energy source and the development of a green hydrogen roadmap with international agencies.

As a vice president of the IRENA Assembly representing Latin America and the Caribbean, Del Giudice expressed his commitment to collaborating towards achieving the Paris Agreement's global objectives. Meanwhile, Gaddis Enrique Corporan, a member of the Dominican Republic's parliament, discussed the critical role lawmakers play in strengthening bilateral ties with the UAE, particularly in renewable energy. "Our bilateral relations with the UAE are of special importance. We invite UAE businessmen to evaluate Dominican Republic as a destination for investment in renewable energy projects," Corporan remarked.

The officials also participated in the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) organised by Masdar, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company. This event was described as an ideal platform for advancing clean energy and sustainability solutions. Both Del Giudice and Corporan reiterated their country's dedication to renewable energy development. They noted that despite being an island without electricity grid connections to other countries or known fossil fuel sources, the Dominican Republic has established a conducive legal and regulatory framework that encourages foreign investment in renewable energies. This strategic positioning aims to set the island as a regional benchmark in the electricity sector.

The discussions at both IRENA’s Assembly and WFES underscored not only the Dominican Republic's ambitious strides towards sustainable energy but also highlighted the potential for deepened cooperation with the UAE. This partnership is poised to foster significant advancements in renewable energy deployment, offering promising prospects for economic growth, job creation, and climate action efforts on both sides.

With inputs from WAM