The Public Electricity Corporation (CDEEE) reports that Unit 1 of the Punta Catalina Thermoelectric Plant has been online since 6 July 2019 producing 320 megawatts to the national electricity grid. The plant is in test phase. Overall Punta Catalina has installed capacity for 752 MW in two units of 376 MW each.
The consortium of Odebrecht-Technimont-Estrella is building the power plant. It was contracted for US$1,945 million. El Dia reports that it is costing the Dominican government at least US$2,355 million.
A report in El Dia stated that according to government reports, the power plant has been in operation only six days from 24 May to the afternoon of 17 July.
The Punta Catalina power plant is the largest public infrastructure undertaken by the Medina administration. A new investigation led by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists reveals unreported cases and massive public works projects embroiled in Odebrecht’s bribery operation. These new revelations provide insight into alleged corruption related to the Punta Catalina power plant.
The information on the power plants that are operating is at the link:
http://www.oc.org.do/Servicios/Reportes/DisponibilidadReal
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Listin Diario
El Dia
Hoy
Diario Libre
ICIJ
18 July 2019