The project activity is to install a photovoltaic solar power plant with a capacity of 60 Megawatts in the province of Monte Plata in the Dominican Republic. The expected solar radiation per year (1,490 kWh/kWh) is about one and a half times higher than in Switzerland. Thanks to such ideal conditions of solar radiation, 100 Gigawatt-hours of electricity will be generated per year (which corresponds to the consumption of 20,000 households in Switzerland).
It is the largest solar power plant in the Caribbean and the first of its kind in the region. It produces locally produced renewable electricity for approximately 50,000 households in the Dominican Republic per year. After completion, the plant will be reduced by almost 70,000 tons of CO₂ per year. This is equivalent to burning about 26 million liters of fossil fuels.
The success of the Monte Plata solar project increases the employment rate of the local population and increases the percentage of renewable energy sources in the Dominican Republic.
Dr. Quincy Lin, Chairman of GES
An environmental impact assessment was carried out. The owner is obliged to carry out reforestation outside the project area, any deforestation measures, if necessary, and preserve the area next to the river adjacent to the project site. At least an equal amount of local flora is and will be planted near the project site, as well as the plantation of various plant species within the boundaries of the project site. In addition, a visitor center will be installed next to the site to demonstrate the possibilities of renewable energy sources and provide climate education. At least five percent of the revenue from carbon revenues will go to a revolving fund managed by the community of Monte Plata, dedicated to social and environmental activities and donations.
At the moment (2021), five percent of the funds (public fund) have been used for the following events:
Construction of a solar energy education center inside a solar power plant
Donation of a 100 kV photovoltaic power plant to the Central Hospital of the Armed Forces
Recruitment of project workers in nearby settlements
Advanced training of student assistants in residential electricity from the Aquino Labe Potential Development Center (CECAL) in order to familiarize themselves with the Monte Plata solar photovoltaic plant park and obtain information about the operation and impact of systems of this type
Constant exchange of information with various stakeholders, such as the community affected by the project, exchange of information about the project and its social and environmental activities
Thanks to the support of myclimate, it was possible to increase the attractiveness of the project for investors and, thus, achieve implementation. The project activities are funded by GES and Rico Sol Caribe Limited and managed by Soventix.
tronscan.org
