By The Star Staff
The Puerto Rico Energy Bureau (PREB) ratified recently the selection of three renewable energy projects totaling 60 megawatts (MW) of solar generation and 60 MW for battery storage as part of the Tranche 2 renewable energy tender.
While the Tranche 2 bid, launched in 2022, sought 1,000 MW of renewable energy and 500 MW of battery storage capacity, the tender’s selection committee selected only three projects, consisting of a 20 MW solar plant, a 40 MW solar plant and 60 MW battery energy storage facility.
PREB, the island’s energy regulator, did not reveal the names of the proponents of the projects due to regulations that allowed the information to be kept confidential and which have been criticized publicly for violating transparency standards.
Tranche 2 is the second of six proposed procurement tenders for renewable energy and battery storage procurement.
“The Energy Bureau has comprehensively reviewed the Selection Committee Report, including its detailed reasons for recommending the approval of the contracts,” a PREB resolution issued last week said. “Particular attention was given to the reasonableness of the proposed prices, ensuring they are competitive and aligned with industry standards. The Energy Bureau has examined the interconnection studies, which provide support for the reliable and safe integration of the proposed net electrical output into Puerto Rico’s electric grid. These studies confirm that integration will not compromise the stability or reliability of the grid, which is paramount for maintaining uninterrupted service to consumers.”
“This alignment makes sure the contracts not only contribute to the island’s energy needs but also support the broader goals of sustainability, resilience, and affordability,” the PREB added. “Based on these findings, the Energy Bureau approves the Contracts, recognizing them as an important step forward in the ongoing transformation and modernization of Puerto Rico’s energy infrastructure.”
The projects, which were approved by the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) governing board in June, still need the green light of the Financial Oversight and Management Board to become effective.
In relation to the status of other renewable energy projects, PREPA said it has 16 developers proposing some 1,178MW in projects, of which 435MW are battery storage. LUMA Energy is evaluating other projects, including two solar projects totaling 50MW.
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