Caterpillar Group president Richard Thompson was in the Dominican Republic yesterday for the official start of the Monte Rio Power plant, a 100 MW merchant plant (13 x 9CM43 engines, fuel ? 2% HFO) located in Azua, in the Southwest. Speaking at the event, he said, ?We are very impressed with the professionalism and leadership shown by our partners in the Dominican Republic.? He also highlighted that this was the largest plant of its kind ever built by the company.
The new power company is a US$100 million joint venture between Monte Rio S.A. and Caterpiller Power Ventures Corporation. Construction had begun on the plant in March 2002.
Speaking at the event, Elena Viyella de Paliza, who is also president of the Dominican Council of Business (CONEP) said, ?We can say that this project will substantially improve the quality of life in the south of the Dominican Republic.?
?If there are blackouts in the South, it will be for other reasons, not for lack of generation,? she said. The plant is expected to eliminate blackouts and brownouts in the Southwest. ?The big difference now will be that every Dominican needs to pay for the service, and that every agent in the sector fulfill its role and function.?
Energy International will manage the plant. The plant will operate independently.