InterEnergy’s Bold Steps Towards Decarbonization

• CEPM is making significant progress towards achieving zero emissions through the CEPM Zero initiative. This includes the construction of over 200 MW of solar projects in the eastern part of the country, the electrification of Saona Island using renewable energy, and the upcoming inauguration of the Caribbean’s first electric vehicle charging station before the end of the year, among other projects.

New York, September 19, 2023 – InterEnergy is taking bold strikes towards complete decarbonization, focusing on transitioning CEPM’s energy generation to 100% clean sources within this decade. Rolando González Bunster, President and CEO of InterEnergy, announced this initiative during the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) session on “Accelerating the Transition to Renewable Energy.” He shared the panel with prominent figures, including John Kerry, the Presidential Envoy for U.S. Climate Special; Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana; José María Figueres, former President of Costa Rica; and Vaishali Nigam-Sinha, Co-founder and President of Sustainability at ReNew Energy Global PLC.

A year ago, in the same setting, González Bunster unveiled InterEnergy’s ‘Commitment to Action,’ driven by a clear purpose: “We recognize our significant role in combating climate change, and this is a collective effort in which we contribute not only with firm commitments but, above all, with tangible actions. We have been leaders in this effort across all the markets in which we operate, pioneering projects that have set the region on a course towards zero-emission generation.”

One of the significant milestones in this decarbonization journey is the development and construction of photovoltaic projects in the eastern zone of the Dominican Republic, totaling over 200MW of power. These projects are strategically located near consumption areas and complement the existing 110MW infrastructure and storage systems, providing stability and reliability to the company’s network. Additionally, InterEnergy collaborates with hotel clients to install photovoltaic parks, contributing to the sustainable development of the eastern part of the country.

Another noteworthy achievement is the electrification of Isla Saona through a photovoltaic generation park with 5 MWh of storage capacity. This initiative has provided continuous renewable energy to the island’s inhabitants and over one million annual visitors.

These projects are integral to InterEnergy’s energy transition plan, with “CEPM Zero” being a pivotal initiative. The plan’s overarching goal is to transition CEPM into a 100% renewable energy and zero-emissions electricity company by 2030, with an estimated investment exceeding $1 billion USD. This transformation includes the construction of more than 500 MW of wind, solar, and battery energy, as well as exploring sustainable technologies such as hydraulic pumping and green hydrogen.

In addition, other technologies are under development, including hydraulic pumping in the Miches area, offering an alternative storage solution capable of providing over 500MWh. This innovative system comprises two reservoirs positioned with a significant elevation difference of nearly 300 meters between them. This setup allows surplus renewable energy to pump water to the upper reservoir during periods of excess generation. Subsequently, during times of increased energy demand, the stored water can be released to provide electricity generation as needed. Additionally, there is ongoing analysis of the potential use of sustainable fuels such as green hydrogen to achieve ‘net-zero’ emissions.

Leading the Energy Transition

InterEnergy’s President highlighted the comprehensive decarbonization plan, involving significant investments in renewable energy projects across the region. In the Dominican Republic, GEDOM, a company under InterEnergy’s control, is actively developing these projects, including the expansion of the Matafongo park in Sabana Buey. This expansion project combines 50 MW of wind and 50 MW of solar energy, marking the country’s inaugural hybrid park of its kind. Furthermore, construction is underway for the Granadillos wind farm, boasting a capacity of 50 MW, located in the northern region, along with the Cacaos park in Cabrera, featuring an additional 50 MW of capacity. Preparations are also in progress for next year’s expansion of the fourth natural gas unit within Energas, situated in San Pedro de Macorís, furthering the company’s commitment to cleaner transitional fuels.

A significant upcoming milestone is the 2024 launch of operations for the Gatún Generator in Panama, a natural gas combined cycle power plant with a 670MW capacity. This plant will facilitate the integration of additional clean energy sources into Panama’s generation matrix, displacing more polluting generation sources.

In alignment with these commitments, InterEnergy actively promotes electric mobility through its Evergo brand. They operate the region’s largest and most advanced electric vehicle charging station network, with over 15,000 chargers across 10 countries. Their expansion plans include Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Paraguay by year-end, as well as the inauguration of Evergo Connect in Bávaro. This facility features 28 stations, powered entirely by 100% renewable energy, capable of simultaneous charging for 28 electric vehicles.