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Isofotón signs PPA for 50 MW PV plant in Dominican Republic

Following the signing of a PPA between Spain-based Isofotón and the Dominican Republic government, work can finally proceed on the company's 50 MW photovoltaic plant.

Despite its potential, the Dominican Republic's installed photovoltaic capacity is negligible.

Thomas Scheutzlich

Representing an investment of US$150 million, the plant will be built in La Victoria, 15 km from Santo Domingo. Construction work is scheduled to commence this September and 500 workers are expected to be hired during the initial phases, said Isofotón in a statement released.

A spokesperson for Isofotón told pv magazine that the plant should be completed by the second quarter of 2013. The necessary photovoltaic cells and modules will be supplied by the company, they added. They declined to disclose who had made the investment, however.

Isofotón originally unveiled its 50 MW Dominican Republic photovoltaic plans last August, following a meeting held in the country, which discussed the need for the Dominican Republic to adopt forms of energy other than fossil fuels.

A spokesperson for the company told pv magazine at the time that construction on the plant would be completed by the first quarter of this year, and that it would supply the necessary photovoltaic modules. A reason for the delay was not provided, however it has been said that given the government’s limited budget, the signing of PPAs can take time.

Commenting on the latest news, Isofotón’s president, Ángel Luis Serrano said, "This will be a model plant in the Latin American continent, where the potential for growth in the photovoltaic sector is enormous. Latin America is one of the photovoltaic markets that will drive the use of renewable energy.

Reportedly, Germany’s Kirchner Solar Group is also planning a 30 MW photovoltaic plant for the country. Set to be located in Monte Plata, the around $100 million project is expected to be online by 2015.