President Luis Abinader attended the 27 November 2025 inauguration of the state-of-the-art Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) located at the Azua Thermoelectric Central. The installation is destined to stabilize the electric grid and facilitate the integrating of renewable energy sources, such as the wind generation systems in the Azua area. The EgeItabo BESS is a 100% clean project with 7.5 MW of capacity and cutting-edge technology.
BESS is a type of energy storage system that uses rechargeable batteries to store electrical energy from the grid or power plants and release it later when needed. The system acts as a flexible, instantaneous energy buffer that allows grid operators to maintain the precise equilibrium required for a reliable and high-quality power supply, even as the energy mix shifts toward variable, clean sources.
The BESS Itabo system is an investment of over RD$500 million (more than US$8 million). It is described as a critical pillar for the stability and efficiency of the National Interconnected Electric System (SENI), the local power grid.
The system employs cutting-edge lithium-ion battery technology and is specifically designed to provide essential auxiliary services like frequency regulation, facilitating a smoother and greater integration of renewable energy sources.
The infrastructure leverages sophisticated software with artificial intelligence capabilities to optimize performance, anticipate maintenance needs, and ensure operational safety.
Gustavo García, chairman of EgeItabo’s Board of Directors, called the project a “decisive step toward the new era of energy storage in the Dominican Republic.”
“It is an investment that boosts the reliability of the national electric system and reinforces our vision of sustainability and development of the country’s energy market,” García stated. He also highlighted Itabo’s economic contribution to the state, with accumulated dividends of RD$17.03 billion and over RD$10 billion in fiscal contributions over the last two decades.
The company officials highlighted that the inauguration of the BESS Itabo system not only strengthens the current national grid but also lays the groundwork for future projects, including the planned Itabo Solar project in Monte Cristi and further storage expansions, cementing the Dominican Republic’s path toward a modernized and competitive energy future.
Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos emphasized the strategic importance of the project, stating that the country is moving towards a “cleaner, more stable, and resilient matrix.”
“The Itabo BESS system is a key piece within the national energy transition strategy, as it contributes to grid stabilization, improves supply quality, and facilitates greater integration of renewable sources,” Minister Santos noted in a statement.
He added that initiatives like this reinforce the Dominican Republic’s position as a regional leader in innovative energy solutions, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals and the nation’s 2036 target for decarbonization.
Minister Santos underscored the government’s proactive policy, which mandates that all new renewable projects exceeding 20 MW must incorporate storage systems for at least 50% of their capacity, either on-site or through centralized infrastructure.
Private corporations have and are investing heavily into renewables. The Itabo BESS system installation is the first storage system of many expected to follow. Renewables based on power systems such as solar and wind are key to the energy security of the country that does not produce fossil fuels.
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Ege Itabo
National Energy Council
1 December 2025