USF to help find energy alternatives for the Dominican Republic

Posted Aug 25, 2010 by Lindsay Peterson

Updated Sep 2, 2010 at 10:05 AM

The University of South Florida plans to help the Dominican Republic reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.

The university and the country’s National Energy Commission signed an agreement this month to work together to develop more renewable energy sources.

The people of the Dominican Republic, which shares a border with Haiti, suffer from frequent blackouts and high costs because its energy system is so inefficient, says a World Bank report.

With the constant disruptions, they resort to everything from diesel generators to kerosene lamps to light their homes and businesses.

But under this agreement USF will work with the Dominican Republic to “share its experiences in research and promotion of renewable energy.”

The country already plans to start building three new wind energy plants next year.