Genera PR chooses Tesla Puerto Rico for battery units to stabilize grid

The proposed battery energy storage system will help reduce load shifting by 90% and add an ultra-fast response rotating reserve for critical situations, according to Genera PR.

By The Star Staff

Genera PR announced Monday that it intends to acquire battery energy storage systems (BESS) to support the island’s electrical grid from Tesla Puerto Rico LLC.

The BESS project represents an essential solution for the stabilization and modernization of Puerto Rico’s energy system, with a storage capacity of 430 megawatts, equivalent to 1,720 megawatt-hours of energy for four hours, distributed in six strategic locations.

The units will help reduce load shifting by 90% and add an ultra-fast response rotating reserve for critical situations. The awarding and signing of the contract are subject to final approval by the Financial Oversight and Management Board and the Public-Private Partnerships Authority.

Iván Báez, vice president of corporate affairs at Genera PR, said “this is a fundamental step toward the modernization of Puerto Rico’s electrical system.”

“Installing these BESS units will ensure greater stability and responsiveness of the network, helping us face both energy demand and unforeseen events in the system,” he said. “In addition, the integration of this advanced technology will help reduce the need to resort to more expensive and less efficient units, generating significant savings.”

Tesla Puerto Rico must finalize the contract details after approval from the relevant entities before proceeding with the installation phase. Genera PR has begun the permitting process for the land preparation at the plants where the units will be located, including in Vega Baja, Cambalache, Costa Sur, San Juan, Palo Seco, Yabucoa and Aguirre.

The project, representing an investment of $760 million from federal funds, will begin operations by the end of 2025.