By the Caribbean Journal staff

A major new solar energy park is coming to the Dominican Republic.

The $40 million Solar Canoa solar park officially broke ground this week for what will eventually be a 50-megawatt plant in Canoa on the south coast of the Dominican Republic.

Solar Canoa will begin with 25 megawatts in its first phase, with another 25 once the park is in full operation.

The project, which is slated for completion in a year, is the product of a partnership between Potentia Renewables and Cisneros.

Dominican Republic President Danilo Medina was on hand for the ceremony for the project, which will supply 10,000 homes each year with electricity.

Potentia Renewables is a Canadian energy producer focused on photovoltaic projects.