SANTO DOMINGO – The possibility of a direct electrical connection between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico has gained momentum again following the formal presentation of the so-called “Hostos Project,” an initiative that proposes to link the energy networks of both islands through an underwater electrical transmission cable.
The information was released by the General Directorate of Public-Private Partnerships (DGAPP), which indicated that the proposal is being developed by Caribbean Transmission Development Company (CTDC), a company focused on energy infrastructure in the Caribbean region.
The project envisions the installation of a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) submarine power line with a capacity of up to 700 megawatts, which would allow the creation of an international energy interconnection between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
According to the information released, the proposal was submitted to the Puerto Rico Public-Private Partnerships Authority, after several years of technical, regulatory and environmental work carried out before agencies of both countries and federal entities of the United States.
CTDC explained that the initiative also has the required federal Presidential Permit for the construction, operation and maintenance of this type of international energy infrastructure, a step considered key within the regulatory process.
The company maintains that the project seeks to expand Puerto Rico's access to external energy resources, strengthen the resilience of its electrical system, and provide greater operational flexibility to the island's energy grid.
According to the DGAPP, the initiative is also part of a regional vision aimed at modernizing Caribbean energy infrastructure and facilitating greater integration of renewable and alternative sources of electricity generation.
CTDC indicated that it will continue to collaborate with the relevant authorities and agencies as the evaluation process of the proposal progresses under the legal framework for public-private partnerships established in Puerto Rico.
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