Energy regulator approves amendments to solar energy & storage contracts
By The Star Staff
The Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (PREB) on Monday approved the amendments to contracts for 11 photovoltaic solar energy and storage projects.
The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) has until Monday, July 10 to sign the contracts, which were approved through resolution and order, according to a statement.
The projects were from the first tranche of tenders, issued in February 2021, which sought up to 1,000 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy capacity and 500 MW of battery storage.
The tender, managed by PREPA, resulted in 23 power purchase and battery storage agreements. However, some proponents sought amendments to their contracts to accommodate inflation earlier this year.
The PREB, which is an arm of the Public Service Regulatory Board, approved the final version of the contract for three four-hour battery energy storage projects totaling 150 MW. In addition, it approved amendments to two energy storage projects totaling 200 MW, also with four hours of duration.
Similarly, amendments to six solar energy projects totaling 515 MW were approved.
“The Energy Bureau continues to focus on the transition of the electrical system to renewable sources, following the Integrated Resource Plan and public energy policy,” PREB Chairman Edison Avilés Deliz said.
Puerto Rico has until 2050 to draw all of its energy from renewables. The PREB is conducting five more tranches of tenders