Dominican Republic Signs Pact to Bolster Hydrocarbon Sector

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Energy and Mines and the state-owned oil refinery, Refidomsa, have formalized an agreement to bolster the nation's hydrocarbon sector, officials announced.

The strategic memorandum of understanding aims to strengthen institutional coordination and advance initiatives within the subsector, particularly at what authorities describe as a pivotal time for the country.

Minister of Energy and Mines Joel Santos and Samuel Pereyra, chairman of Refidomsa's Administrative Council, signed the accord. Both leaders committed to driving progress in this vital part of the national economy.

The agreement outlines cooperation in sharing expertise, human resources, and technology, with a primary focus on hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation. It also facilitates the joint execution of programs and projects of mutual interest.

Furthermore, the pact mandates the integration of best practices in safety, health, environmental protection, and risk management. It also promotes private investment, adherence to environmental standards, and the training of technical personnel in the sector.

Minister Santos underscored the agreement's significance, noting the Dominican Republic's strategic position in energy and hydrocarbons. He praised Refidomsa and Pereyra for their ongoing collaboration.

"We are confident that Refidomsa possesses the necessary tools to collaborate with us, as it always has," Santos stated. "We appreciate the cooperation of our friend Samuel Pereyra in all aspects."

Pereyra noted that Refidomsa and the Ministry have worked closely since he assumed his chairmanship. He added that the new agreement formalizes technical collaboration for hydrocarbon development and research across the country.

"Refidomsa will always stand hand-in-hand and cooperate with the Ministry of Energy and Mines on these projects, or any other that benefits our country," Pereyra affirmed. He also acknowledged the progress made in the energy sector under Minister Santos's leadership.

During the signing ceremony at the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Vice Minister of Hydrocarbons Noel Báez explained that the agreement seeks to combine Refidomsa's corporate capabilities with the Ministry's regulatory and technical oversight. This synergy is expected to enhance geochemical and geophysical studies and boost exploration efforts.

The memorandum specifically includes promoting and coordinating exploration programs in national sedimentary basins. It also covers training, internships, damage prevention, spill response, emergency care, and preparedness for adverse events.

To implement the agreement, both parties will establish a consultative and technical working group. This group will coordinate activities and meet at least once annually. Each institution will appoint a coordinator, and operational or regulatory decisions will require explicit approval from the Ministry of Energy and Mines.

Also present at the signing were Lorenzo Guzmán and Luis Ricardo Miñoso from Refidomsa, along with Julissa Matos from the Ministry of Energy and Mines' legal department.