Energy Bureau approves storage & solar energy projects under accelerated process

By THE STAR STAFF

The Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (PREB) approved several renewable energy and energy storage projects on Tuesday as part of an accelerated process authorized to secure federal investment tax credits.

According to the Resolution and Order (R&O) issued by the regulatory body, the approved projects would add some 659 megawatts (MW) of battery energy storage systems and 25 MW of photovoltaic solar generation to Puerto Rico’s electrical system.

The decision was issued under Executive Order EO-2025-047, signed by Gov. Jenniffer González Colón, which extended the energy emergency and authorized extraordinary measures to expedite the evaluation and approval of projects that qualify for federal tax credits.

“After evaluating the report and the evaluation process carried out by the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority [PREPA], and pursuant to the authority granted by Law 57-2014, the Energy Bureau approves the proposed projects,” the R&O states.

The PREB ordered PREPA to continue contractual negotiations with the identified proponents, using as a basis the contract corresponding to the Tranche 4 request for proposals process, with non-substantial modifications that are in the best public interest and make the technical and financial execution of the projects feasible.

The document states that PREPA will have 10 business days to complete the negotiation process and submit the draft contracts for final evaluation and approval by the PREB. Furthermore, the PREB reserved the right to review the process until the end of February 2026 and authorize additional projects not initially selected, provided that the applicable conditions and economic terms are equal to or more favorable. PREPA must notify the unsuccessful bidders during the first week of March 2026, in accordance with the applicable process.