The Ministry of Energy and Mines is reiterating its opposition to the construction of a new natural gas terminal in the southeast of the country, saying that the AES Dominicana plant in Andres is capable of supplying all that the country needs.
Energy Minister Pelegrin Castillo said that the AES Dominicana terminal has the capacity to store 160,000 cubic meters and can receive and supply 135 trillion BTU a year. He went on to say that in 2014 only 42 trillion BTU were imported so the capacity is there and there is no need to invest in another terminal.
He said that the most cost-effective and efficient solution is to build a gas pipeline to connect Andres with the plant in San Pedro de Macoris that would cost a fraction of the total of building a second terminal. In addition, should it be decided to build another terminal, he reiterated that it should be constructed in the north of the country where the highest quantity of natural gas is consumed. He suggested building the natural gas terminal in Manzanillo in order to also sell natural gas to Haiti.
The Vicini and Tropigas companies are in favor of constructing a natural gas terminal on the southeast to service several of the affiliated power companies. The companies argue the competition with AES would benefit consumers. However, Ministry of Energy approval is needed in order for the project to go ahead.
Ministerio Energía y Minas reitera oposición construir planta gas en Este