SANTO DOMINGO. – The Ministries of Environment and Natural Resources, and Energy and Mines, together with the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), launched the “ Cooling Districts in Latin America and the Caribbean” to promote sustainable cooling solutions in Latin America and the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic.
The regional initiative, funded by the European Union through its Euroclima program with a total investment of $3.3 million, also seeks to lay the foundations for establishing a system focused on the centralized production of chilled water, which is distributed to users through a closed network of pipes.
A press release emphasizes that this model can employ various sources and technologies, making it a flexible cooling solution adaptable to urban and industrial environments, especially relevant in a global context marked by the climate crisis.
During the launch event, which was attended by 73 representatives from public, private, academic, cooperating, multilateral and civil society organizations, the authorities highlighted the importance of adopting innovative energy models that respond to this growing demand.
The Vice Minister of Innovation and Energy Transition at the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Betty Soto , praised the transformative contribution of the project, stating: “This is an innovative and visionary initiative that will transform building needs and energy infrastructure , not only in the Dominican Republic, but also in the Caribbean. It is a firm step towards sustainability, with responsible and effective solutions. Today we are not only launching a technical solution, but also a commitment to more sustainable development.”
In turn, the Vice Minister of Climate Change at the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Ana Pimentel , highlighted the strategic focus of the proposal. In her words, “This project will not only allow for the development of cool districts, but will also promote collective cooling systems to identify more efficient solutions and move towards joint improvements. All of this brings us closer to a more resilient, competitive, and low-carbon energy model.”
For her part, the European Union's Cooperation Programme Officer, Sarah Soriano , highlighted the climate relevance of the program, explaining that "the District Cooling initiative introduces clean and efficient cooling systems that reduce the carbon footprint, decrease the use of fossil fuels and alleviate pressure on local electricity grids."
The UNDP Resident Representative, Ana María Díaz , highlighted that this initiative complements other national efforts in the area of clean energy, noting that “the initiative is complemented by projects such as the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the installation, within the framework of the Small Grants Programme, of more than 50 community micro-hydroelectric plants under the coordination of national institutions, together with local organizations, the private sector and international cooperation.”
Benefits of the initiative
The press release explains that the District Cooling model offers numerous benefits stemming from its scale, enabling high levels of energy efficiency and a gradual reduction in the use of polluting refrigerants. By centralizing cooling production, it reduces peak demand on the electrical grid, contributes to its stability, and decreases the need for new investments in power generation.
It also facilitates the use of renewable energy sources and the utilization of waste heat, promoting more sustainable operations. By consuming less electricity and therefore reducing carbon emissions, it helps to decrease the environmental footprint and accelerates decarbonization, significantly reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.
Another key benefit is the improvement of the urban environment: by eliminating the need for individual air conditioning units, noise, local emissions, and the visual impact on buildings are reduced. For property owners, the system represents a reliable, efficient, and affordable service, while also freeing up space for other uses. Furthermore, for investors, it constitutes a solution with stable income and an excellent rate of return, reinforcing its attractiveness and financial viability.
Global context
The world is currently facing a “cooling crisis” due to sustained rising temperatures, rapid population growth, urbanization, and continuously improving living standards. These factors have significantly increased the need for air conditioning systems, especially in warm climates and in developing countries where energy demand continues to grow.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), energy demand associated with air conditioning could triple by 2050, and the number of installed units would increase from 1.6 billion to 5.6 billion. This would require electrical capacity equivalent to the current combined capacity of the United States, the European Union, and Japan, posing a significant challenge to energy systems and climate mitigation efforts.
Given this situation, the international community has made commitments such as the phase-out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) through the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, a decisive step in reducing the impact of highly polluting refrigerants. This amendment is also being implemented in the Dominican Republic through a project of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources with support from the UNDP. These projections reinforce the urgency of moving towards cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable cooling technologies.
Euroclima is a European Union program that strengthens EU-LAC cooperation to promote a green and just transition in Latin America and the Caribbean. As part of the Global Gateway strategy, the program works with 33 partner countries and regional organizations to create the enabling conditions for sustainable investments, facilitate access to climate finance, and promote knowledge sharing in priority sectors such as the energy transition, bioeconomy, sustainable mobility, and water management.
