The Trump administration has granted crucial authorization for a landmark energy project that will establish the Caribbean’s first submarine power interconnection between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. This presidential permit approval represents a significant milestone for one of the region’s most ambitious infrastructure initiatives.
While the U.S. Department of Energy has yet to issue formal notification, the Caribbean Transmission Development Company (CTDC) has confirmed receiving essential ‘no objection’ clearances from both the State and Defense Departments. An official public announcement is scheduled for February 17 in the Dominican Republic, with anticipated attendance from Dominican President Luis Abinader, Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González, and U.S. government representatives.
The proposed submarine cable will enable bidirectional electricity transmission of up to 700 megawatts, substantially enhancing energy security for both territories. In the Dominican Republic, the connection will integrate with a newly developed natural gas power plant specifically designed for this project, while in Puerto Rico, it will interface with the electrical grid via the Mayagüez substation.
Despite the regulatory progress, CTDC faces several implementation challenges including finalizing power purchase agreements with the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, securing fuel supply contracts, obtaining environmental approvals in both jurisdictions, and raising approximately US$2.5 billion in project financing.
The company targets January 2031 for operational status. Initially, the interconnection will address Puerto Rico’s energy demands, with long-term potential to facilitate solar energy exports from Puerto Rico to the Dominican Republic. Upon completion, this project will join over 160 similar cross-border power connections currently operating between the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking a transformative development in Caribbean energy infrastructure.