Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority outlines renewable energy expansion plans

The government meeting held on March 10, 2025, by the Cámara de Representantes in Puerto Rico focused on the integration of renewable energy into the island's electrical system. The session began with a reaffirmation of the commitment from the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) to diversify energy sources, emphasizing the importance of renewable energy in this mix.

The meeting highlighted that PREPA currently operates 254 megawatts of renewable energy, which includes solar, wind, and landfill gas. A significant project mentioned was the Cantera project in Ponce, which is a high-voltage feeder. Additionally, the discussion included over 1,000 megawatts of rooftop solar energy available in Puerto Rico.

Several projects are under construction, including the Zillo 1 solar project, expected to add 140 megawatts by August 2025, and the Zetatec project, contributing an additional 60 megawatts. Other projects by Clean Flexible, a subsidiary of AS, are also in progress, which will collectively add 1,664 megawatts of renewable energy by the end of 2026.

The meeting also addressed the need for conventional generation sources, particularly fossil fuels, to complement renewable energy due to its intermittent nature. The discussion included the transition from bunker fuel to natural gas, which is cleaner and more compliant with environmental regulations. PREPA has received conditional approval for converting several units to natural gas, which is expected to reduce energy costs for consumers.

Furthermore, the meeting covered the status of hydroelectric plants, which currently have an installed capacity of 100 megawatts, with only 30 megawatts available for generation due to damage from Hurricane Maria. An estimated investment of $320 million is required to restore these plants to full capacity, with plans to upgrade them to modern technology.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to enhance Puerto Rico's energy infrastructure through renewable sources while maintaining necessary conventional generation to ensure a stable energy supply. The next steps involve further discussions on project approvals and funding, particularly from FEMA, to support the restoration and modernization of the energy system.