Dominican Republic Turns to Gazprom for Help on Energy Strategy

Last week the Russian energy giant, Gazprom, sent a delegation to the Dominican Republic following an invitation to perform geological surveys and help in the development of electrical power projects.

A group of deputies from the republic’s National Congress, including the chairman of the parliamentary energy commission, Pelegrin Seman, stated that their nation’s reliance upon foreign fuels is too high. They are forming legislation to help develop oil and gas reserves on the Haitian Shelf, to construct renewable energy projects, and improve the efficiency energy use on the island at the moment.

Gazprom met with Enrique Ramirez, President of the National Energy Commission, who told them that the Dominican Republic currently have an energy supply deficit of 2,000 – 2,300 megawatts, and are therefore planning a new energy strategy which will involve more domestically produce energy, and more efficient energy distribution channels.

The hope is that Gazprom will be able to use its expertise to offer advice in the exploration and development of oil and gas on the Haitian Shelf, and be able to help with the electric power projects. Ramirez tried to entice the Gazprom delegation with assurances that, "we'd like to see your company in the Dominican Republic. We're ready to do everything necessary to ensure normal operations for you and the security of your investments."

Gazprom were able to visit several power stations in Santo Domingo, Puetra Plata, and Punta Cana in order to familiarise themselves with the current level of technology and help them figure out the possibility of modernising the plants, and shifting them to gas fuel.

By. Charles Kennedy of Oilprice.com