Punta Catalina consolidates as the plant with the highest generation in the Dominican electrical system. In 2025, this thermal power plant reached its historic record with 4.966 gigawatt-hours net, surpassing previous years such as 4.598 GWh in 2020 and the minimum of 4.363 GWh in 2021 due to initial adjustments.
Built with two subcritical low-emission coal units, Punta Catalina supports the bulk of national demand while many other plants operate below 50% of their capacity. Data from the National Interconnected Electrical System Coordinator confirms this trend, highlighting its essential role in a generating park with over 30 installations.
Plant factor: Punta Catalina at the top
The plant factor measures effective availability. In 2024, Unit 2 of Punta Catalina achieved 96%, only surpassed by Quisqueya 1. For 2025, the units recorded 83% and 88%, figures above the national average of 10-50%. This positions Punta Catalina as the one that least leaves the system, according to technical records.
Planned maintenance explains Punta Catalina shutdowns
Technical shutdowns by GE protocol
The interruptions of Punta Catalina respond to mandatory maintenance by the manufacturer GE, not to failures. In 2023, Unit 2 paused for 43 days to inspect turbine and boiler after 24,000 hours. The following year, Unit 1 did the same in 45 days, with exhaustive revisions that temporarily lowered its factor to 74%, recovered to 83% in 2025.
In 2025, shorter shutdowns in February-May covered repairs in superheaters and AQCS filters for emissions. Currently, since March 21, 2026, Unit 2 enters its 48,000-hour cycle for 41 days, with Unit 1 operational to avoid total cuts.
Technology and historical context
Inaugurated in 2020 after debates over its cost of around $2.4 billion and the choice of coal, Punta Catalina uses technology that elevates thermal efficiency and meets emission standards with AQCS systems. Experts in the sector, such as CDEEE engineers, emphasize that its planned shutdowns ensure longevity, contrasting with unforeseen failures in hydroelectric or variable renewable plants.
- Production 2020-2025: Sustained growth until record.
- Plant factor: Consistently national leader.
- Maintenance: Scheduled, with Unit alternating active.
This reliability reinforces Punta Catalina as a pillar of the system, despite initial criticism. Its performance validates the investment in an era of increasing energy demand in the Dominican Republic.
