Rural Electrification in Sabana Real

Snapshot Solution

by Transicion Energetica, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

Panoramic View of Sabana Real Photovoltaic Plant

GIZ

Rural Electrification emerged in 2017 to develop a sustainable model for harnessing renewable energy, with community participation. Sabana Real in Independencia, a mountainous border community with 226 inhabitants without electricity, was chosen to develop a pilot project.

After a formulation stage, between 2022 and 2023, a 55.2 kWp photovoltaic power plant was installed with 245.7 kWh of energy storage with lithium batteries. The energy generated is distributed to 81 homes, 11 businesses, two churches, the community school, the La Bella cooperative, the military post and the park ranger house. Internet access is also provided through a WiFi network powered by satellite connectivity.

The initiative is an effort between the Ministry of Energy and Mines, MEPyD, EDESUR Dominicana, Cooperativa Sabana Real La Bella, Indotel, the GIZ Energy Transition Project and the TAPSEC program co-financed by the European Union.

Last update: 08 Dec 2023

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Context

Challenges addressed

Infrastructure development

Lack of alternative income opportunities

Changes in socio-cultural context

Lack of infrastructure

Lack of technical capacity

Unemployment / poverty

Scale of implementation

Local

Ecosystems

Cropland

Buildings and facilities

Theme

Mitigation

Sustainable financing

Cities and infrastructure

Sustainable livelihoods

Local actors

Renewable energies

Location

https://maps.app.goo.gl/1K251SzTuWqtgMUaA

Caribbean

Impacts

Environmental

- The use of photovoltaic panels reduces GHG emissions into the atmosphere by substituting solar energy for other fuels used for generators in the community.

Social

Access to sustainable, non-polluting electrical energy, as well as a free WiFi Internet network for all inhabitants, businesses, and civilian and military public buildings in the community, allowing study through electronic devices.

-General improvement in the quality of life of the inhabitants of Sabana Real and stimulus for binational exchanges with the bordering country (Haiti).

Economic

- Access to stable energy and new information and communication technologies will result in greater opportunities for economic growth, with the generation of new businesses and sources of employment, as well as the modernization of agriculture by allowing the use of machinery, irrigation systems and conservation technologies.