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At the eighth annual Summit of the Puerto Rico Solar and Storage Association (SESA) on Monday, Governor Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia recognized the organization’s leadership and efforts in advancing renewable energy objectives on the island.
The SESA summit convened leaders and specialists in solar energy and storage to discuss tactics and solutions aimed at expediting Puerto Rico’s energy transition.
“Reliable electrical service is crucial for our citizens and business community, and its dependability is essential for Puerto Rico’s economic growth,” the governor stated in a written release.
“In the last four years, the transformation of our electrical infrastructure and the promotion of cleaner, more efficient, and accessible energy sources have ranked among my administration’s highest priorities,” he continued.
Pierluisi highlighted the considerable advancements achieved since 2021, including a rise in solar systems linked to the electrical grid, which increased from just over 21,000 to now exceeding 130,000. These numbers showcase the numerous government initiatives bolstered by close to $2 billion in federal funding, he remarked.
One of the programs mentioned was the Energy Support Program, which has, with an investment of $50 million from the American Rescue Plan Act and Community Development Block Grant funds, aided over 1,000 small enterprises across the island. Additionally, the Community Resilience Programs have enabled the installation of solar and storage systems in upwards of 13,000 single-family residences.
Over 4,600 homes were reconstructed under the R3 program, with an investment nearing $400 million. Furthermore, more than 6,575 low-income households have benefited from the New Energy Program, with $350 million allocated to cover costs of up to $30,000 per system. Nearly 2,000 homes have also profited from the Solar Incentive Program, offering up to $15,000 per system and backed by a $100 million investment.
The governor pointed out the Agro-Energy Stability Program, providing support of up to $250,000 for farmers seeking solar and energy storage solutions. He also noted that the U.S. Department of Energy has provided an additional $1 billion to subsidize more than 40,000 solar and storage systems on the island.
Pierluisi proceeded to emphasize advancements in industrial-scale energy projects, including the contracting of about 1,000 megawatts of renewable generation and the installation of nearly 1,000 megawatts of energy storage systems. He underscored the $1.4 billion investment in the ER2 program, aimed at developing high-impact microgrids supplying electricity to hospitals, communities, and industries.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to reconstructing and modernizing Puerto Rico’s transmission and distribution network, with over $2.6 billion invested to complete 264 projects at various design and construction stages.
“We have encountered challenges throughout this journey, but we have achieved significant strides,” he remarked.
Pierluisi also underscored the critical role of collaboration between the government and the private sector in generating 100 percent of Puerto Rico’s energy from renewable sources, as established in the government’s public energy policy.
“I am very hopeful about the future of clean energy in Puerto Rico and our capacity to transform our energy system for the benefit of our people and our planet,” he concluded.
