Research Article
Quantitative Cost–Benefit Analysis of an Integrated HVDC and Fiber-Optic Interconnection Between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico
Francisco Nunez-Ramirez*
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
20-26
Received:
17 February 2026
Accepted:
3 March 2026
Published:
14 March 2026
Abstract: Island electricity systems in the Caribbean are characterized by high fuel import dependency, limited economies of scale, infrastructure vulnerability, and elevated generation costs. This paper presents a quantitative cost–benefit analysis of a proposed 700 MW voltage source converter high-voltage direct current (VSC-HVDC) submarine interconnection between the Dominican Republic (DR) and Puerto Rico (PR) over a 160 km route, incorporating the integration of fiber-optic telecommunications infrastructure under a joint public–private partnership (PPP) model. A comparative expansion-planning framework evaluates three scenarios: independent development, HVDC with localized generation in PR, and HVDC with generation expansion in DR exporting to PR. The deterministic discounted cash flow (DCF) model includes capital expenditures, fuel cost differentials, reserve sharing, avoided capacity investments, renewable integration value, and reliability monetization. Results indicate near-breakeven economics under conservative assumptions. When integrated fiber-optic revenues and diversified PPP structuring are incorporated, the project achieves positive net present value (NPV) and improved bankability. The findings demonstrate that coordinated energy–digital infrastructure deployment enhances economic viability, system resilience, and regional integration potential for Caribbean island systems. Some benefits of the interconnection between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico are: (1) Immediate generation of economy of scale through reserves reduction, in terms of auxiliary or peak plants and emergency centrals, and more efficient operation of electrical systems; (2) Optimal use of each country's natural resources through abundant, safe, and renewable electricity generation; (3) Increased investment in clean energy and financial support from multilateral financing banks; (4) Greater foreign exchange earnings for countries from energy sales in various electricity markets; and (5) Possibility of future interconnection with existing regional markets, such as the Electrical Interconnection System of the Countries of Central America and integration into its Regional Electrical Market.
Abstract: Island electricity systems in the Caribbean are characterized by high fuel import dependency, limited economies of scale, infrastructure vulnerability, and elevated generation costs. This paper presents a quantitative cost–benefit analysis of a proposed 700 MW voltage source converter high-voltage direct current (VSC-HVDC) submarine interconnection...
Show More
Research Article
Fabrication of Amorphous Carbon-Coated Co3O4 (Co3O4@C) Composite and Its Enhanced Electrochemical Performance for Supercapacitor Electrodes
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
27-33
Received:
6 March 2026
Accepted:
18 March 2026
Published:
23 April 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.epes.20261502.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: In this work, Co3O4@C composite electrode materials were successfully fabricated by coating amorphous carbon on Co3O4 nanorods. Electrochemical tests demonstrated that the Co3O4@C composite exhibited superior electrochemical performance compared with pure Co3O4, including larger capacitive response, higher specific capacitance, and more excellent rate capability and cycle stability. Specifically, the Co3O4@C composite delivered specific capacitances of 924, 830, 752, and 680 F g-1 at current densities of 2, 5, 8, and 10 A g-1, respectively, retaining 73.6% of its initial capacitance when the current density was increased from 2 to 10 A g-1. After 2000 consecutive charge–discharge cycles, the capacitance retention of Co3O4@C reached 89.4%, which was higher than that of pure Co3O4 (85.3%). Moreover, the Co3O4@C composite possessed accelerated ion and electron transport kinetics compared with pure Co3O4. The enhanced electrochemical performance of Co3O4@C can be ascribed to the synergistic effect between Co3O4 and amorphous carbon, the improved electrical conductivity provided by the carbon component, and the protective role of the carbon layer in mitigating the agglomeration and structural degradation of Co3O4 during cycling. These findings suggest that the Co3O4@C composite is a promising electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors.
Abstract: In this work, Co3O4@C composite electrode materials were successfully fabricated by coating amorphous carbon on Co3O4 nanorods. Electrochemical tests demonstrated that the Co3O4@C composite exhibited superior electrochemical performance compared with pure Co3O4, including larger capacitive response, higher specific capacitance, and more excellent r...
Show More
