Biodiesel Fuel Plant Opens in Dominican Republic

President Leonel Fernández took part in the opening activity to inaugurate the construction of a renewable energy generator that will be utilizing castor oil. The new company, located in the Northeastern region of the country, will generate some 25,000 direct and indirect jobs. It is being built by the Dominican Rider Partners Company with an investment of $262 million dollars.

The plants will be harvested on land that has no other agricultural use in order not to affect the production areas that meet consumer needs.

As part of the ceremony, President Fernández symbolically planted a castor bean bush. Executives from Rider Partners said they were confident that they would be seeing a return on the investment they’re offering the Dominican Republic, reported the President’s Office of Information, Press and Publicity.

This certainty is indicative of the confidence the Dominican Republic inspires and the fact that the country has become an attractive place for investors. It also means that this area of the country will contribute to the socio-economic well-being of its residents.  

It was announced that there will be a second phase when the company will expand toward the province of Dajabón where the land also offers great potential for the harvesting of the castor bean plant.

The plants will be harvested on land that has no other agricultural use in order not to affect the production areas that meet consumer needs.

They have also committed to carry out social programs such as helping the local fire department, among other initiatives.

The Director of the Dominican Agrarian Institute (IAD in Spanish) Frank Rodríguez stressed the importance of using renewable energy in these times of oil scarcity.

He said this processing plant, apart from providing employment and helping the local economy in Montecristi, will also contribute to the development of the Dominican Republic.