In a move set to reshape the Caribbean’s energy landscape, the administration of US President Donald J. Trump has officially granted a presidential permit for the construction of a submarine electric cable connecting the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, Noticias SIN reports.
The announcement was made Wednesday, 28 January 2026 by President Luis Abinader. The permit serves as the final regulatory hurdle required by Washington to allow the interconnection of the two energy systems, clearing the way for the Dominican Republic to begin exporting electricity to Puerto Rico.
President Abinader characterized the approval as a “pivotal advancement” for regional energy cooperation. He noted that the project not only addresses Puerto Rico’s ongoing energy stability needs but also cements the Dominican Republic’s status as a strategic hub for power generation and sales in the Caribbean.
“This authorization positions our country at the forefront of energy distribution in the region,” Abinader told reporters covering the Presidency, emphasizing that the project has been a long-standing priority for his administration’s economic and infrastructure agenda.
While specific technical timelines and the total cost of the project were not immediately detailed, the interconnection is expected to provide Puerto Rico with a more diversified energy supply. The island has struggled with grid reliability and high costs for years, particularly following the devastation of major hurricanes.
The initiative has been under review for several months, with Dominican economic and energy specialists tracking the progress of the permit through US federal channels. With the presidential permit now secured, the project shifts from a diplomatic and regulatory goal to an infrastructure reality.
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Noticias SIN
29 January 2026