The U.S. energy investment in the Dominican Republic received direct praise from the United States ambassador, Leah Campos, during her recent visit to the AES Andrés complex. Edwin De los Santos, president of AES Dominicana, guided the tour of the facilities, presenting key projects that have transformed the national electric sector.
Largest U.S. Capital Investment in the Country
This U.S. energy investment amounts to more than US$2,400 million, making it the largest North American capital investment in the history of the Dominican Republic. For more than two decades, it has modernized the energy park, distributing natural gas to industry, commerce and free zones. U.S.-origin gas dominates bilateral trade, making the DR the leading importer in Latin America.
Natural Gas Terminal Expansion and Electrical Capacity
The AES Dominicana terminal operates under the “LNG plug and play” model, allowing agile and safe expansion in response to growing demand. In 2025, it imported 4 million m³ of LNG, breaking previous records. Together with its partner ENADOM, it supplies seven generating plants with 1,800 MW of clean, reliable energy, with the potential to add another 1,000 MW immediately.
Impact on the Dominican Electric System
The visit underscored the strategic role of this U.S. energy investment in ensuring continuous supply and developing future infrastructure. AES supplies gas to four distributors, covering the vehicular, tourism and industrial sectors. Historically, since its arrival in the 2000s, AES has reduced emissions by replacing more polluting fossil fuels, according to data from the Ministry of Energy and Mines.
- AES Andrés: Main entry point for U.S. natural gas.
- Benefits: 1,800 MW currently, expandable to 2,800 MW.
- Trade: DR leads regional imports of U.S. LNG.
Sector experts highlight how this U.S. energy investment aligns with national energy transition goals, mitigating chronic blackouts. Ambassador Campos valued its contribution to economic stability. At AES Andrés, a long‑term vision was reviewed that strengthens Dominican energy sovereignty through reliable partnerships.
This U.S. energy investment not only drives productive growth, but also positions the Dominican Republic as a regional energy hub, with projected higher volumes in 2026.
