LUMA connects new solar farm in Salinas, adding 90-plus MW of clean energy to grid

The construction of the substation in Salinas is an essential requirement for the integration of the Ciro 1 solar project, which will be able to supply the energy needs of more than 75,000 customers in Puerto Rico.

By THE STAR STAFF

As part of its efforts to accelerate the integration of renewable energy and add additional generation sources to the electrical system, LUMA Energy announced on Thursday the interconnection process of more than 90 megawatts (MW) from the Ciro 1 solar project, developed by Ciro Energy Group (CEG) in Salinas.

The collaboration, the private grid operator said, represents a key step in the working relationship between LUMA and private developers, who play an essential role in the island’s energy development.

The construction of the substation, designed and developed by CEG, is an essential requirement for the integration of the project, which will be able to supply the energy needs of more than 75,000 customers in Puerto Rico.

The Ciro 1 project includes 260,000 solar panels, battery storage systems, and state-of-the-art digital technology capable of withstanding winds of up to 175 miles per hour. In addition, the new substation for the solar project incorporates state-of-the-art digital technology, which allows for a more agile response to outages, improves system stability, and strengthens service reliability for customers, LUMA said in a press release.

The grid operator said the achievement also marks the beginning of a broader collaboration with local and international companies dedicated to expanding renewable generation on the island, with LUMA acting as the integrator of the new generation sources in line with industry standards. The interconnection processes, led by LUMA, ensure the correct integration of the electrical systems and prepare the grid to operate with greater resilience in the face of adverse weather conditions, the grid operator added.

“This is just the beginning of a new era for our power grid: smarter, more resilient, and ready for the future,” said Pedro Meléndez, LUMA’s chief capital programs and grid transformation officer, who emphasized that diversification in generation will allow the system to operate more efficiently and sustainably. “The integration of these new renewable energy sources demonstrates what we can achieve when the public and private sectors work together.”

In a second phase, the integration of two other renewable generation projects, developed by Clean Flexible Energy, is planned, which will add an additional 220 MW. Finally, in a third phase, the Ciro 2 and Guayama projects, also developed by Ciro Energy Group, will be integrated, thus completing the incorporation of the planned 420 MW.