EGE Haina starts operation of 120 MW solar plant in Dominican Republic

Empresa Generadora de Electricidad Haina (EGE Haina) has inaugurated its 120 MW Sunflower solar photovoltaic (PV) park located in the Yaguate municipality, San Cristóbal province, making it the largest solar project in the operation of the Dominican Republic. 

The solar plant occupies an area of 220 hectares and consists of 268,200 PV panels. It is estimated to produce up to 240,000 MWh per year, which is enough to supply electricity for more than 100,000 Dominican homes. In addition, Sunflower park will avoid 150,000 tons of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere per year and the importation of 400,000 barrels of oil.

Another main characteristic of this project is its advanced technology. The solar park uses a modern system of solar position trackers, that rotate 104 degrees for 12 hours/day, depending on the solar position. This provides a better way to use solar radiation and increases its effective capacity. 

The total investment in the project is around USD100 million. The construction works were done in a period of 14 months, generating jobs at the local level. A total of 820 people have worked on the development of Sunflower park.   

Luis Mejía Brache, General manager of EGE Haina, highlighted the importance of this park, which will increase the national photovoltaic capacity by 50%, and said: "We are clear on the path and we are making good progress in our growth plan to 2030, which will contribute to the energy balance of the Dominican Republic, producing electricity in an efficient and environmentally responsible way, reducing the country's dependence on fossil fuels".