Dominican Republic Proposes Artificial Intelligence for Regional Energy Sector

The Dominican Republic has presented a proposal to expand the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the energy sector across Latin America and the Caribbean. The initiative was approved by experts from the Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE) during the organization’s 66th Meeting of Experts, held in Santo Domingo on October 7 and 8, 2026.

According to the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Energy and Mines, the proposal aims to encourage the development and implementation of programs and projects that incorporate AI into energy infrastructure and operations. However, expert approval is not the final step: the initiative must be submitted for ratification at a subsequent meeting of energy ministers.

How AI Could Transform the Regional Energy Sector

The proposal identifies several areas where artificial intelligence could support improvements in energy production, distribution and consumption. These include smart grids, energy efficiency, renewable energy integration and the management of energy systems.

AI can help energy operators analyze large volumes of operational data, forecast electricity demand and identify patterns that affect system performance. In power networks, these capabilities can support better planning, more efficient resource allocation and faster responses to changing supply and demand conditions.

Artificial intelligence could also help energy systems accommodate greater use of renewable sources, such as solar and wind power, whose output varies with weather conditions. Its effectiveness would depend on data quality, technical infrastructure, investment and the ability of energy operators to implement and oversee these tools.

Regional Cooperation and the Next Steps

The initiative emerged during the 11th Energy Week, hosted in the Dominican Republic and organized by OLACDE in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Mines. The event brought together government representatives, energy specialists and other stakeholders to discuss shared challenges involving energy security, regional integration, technological innovation and the transition to more sustainable energy systems.

The Dominican delegation to the experts’ meeting was led by Ricardo Guerrero, the country’s deputy minister of electricity, and included officials responsible for electricity markets and the electricity sector.

The proposal’s approval at the expert level represents a step toward regional cooperation on digital technologies in energy. Its ministerial ratification remains necessary before the initiative can advance through the organization’s decision-making process. Any practical impact will ultimately depend on how participating countries translate the proposal into policies, projects and operational investments.