By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

The first photovoltaic park in the Dominican Republic was inaugurated this week, with President Danilo Medina in attendance.

The project, “Monte Plata Solar,” will facilitate the generation of 300 direct jobs and 1,000 indirect jobs, according to government estimates.

Taiwanese multinational company General Energy Solutions aided in the project with an investment of $110 million.

Executive Director of the Center for Export and Investment Jean Alain Rodriguez said that Monte Plata Solar is the largest initiative of its kind in the country and the region.

He said that in its initial phase, the project will provide 30 megawatts to the national electricity system, which, along with other renewable energy projects inaugurated this year, will contribute to a total of about 200 megawatts installed capacity.

Executive Vice President of the Dominican Corporation of State Electrical Companies Ruben Jimenez Bichara said that the government is continuing with its plan to support private investment and the improvement of the energy matrix in the country.

He said that the Monte Plata Solar would be a benchmark for the entire region, and urged other project management to advance alternative energy projects.