The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Federal Emergency Administration Company (FEMA) have launched a one-year progress report for the Puerto Rico Grid Resilience and Transition to 100% Renewable (PR100) Study. PR100, which launched in February 2022 with funding from FEMA, is a two-year research designed to assist inform infrastructure investments that can present Puerto Rico with clear, dependable and reasonably priced energy. The research goals to generate community-driven pathways to fulfill Puerto Rico’s goal of 100% renewable electrical energy by 2050 and enhancing the resilience of the facility system towards future excessive climate occasions.
“DOE is supporting Puerto Rico in executing grid enhancements that can ship a greater power system that enhances reliability and financial savings for its residents,” says U.S. Secretary of Vitality Jennifer M. Granholm. “For a lot too lengthy, Puerto Ricans have lived with an outdated and costly electrical system the place pointless obstacles and lengthy delays have prevented crucial enhancements. We all know that entry to renewable power may also help save lives and I’m happy with the DOE and FEMA groups which can be working tirelessly to assist put Puerto Rico on a path to a extra resilient and dependable power future.”
Since its launch, the PR100 crew outlined 4 potential eventualities by way of which Puerto Rico can meet its renewable power targets. The crew developed the eventualities following intensive engagement with numerous stakeholders, who expressed curiosity in learning completely different ranges and functions of distributed power useful resource deployment, akin to rooftop photo voltaic and batteries. Within the final six months, the undertaking crew carried out preliminary modeling and evaluation of the feasibility and tradeoffs of every state of affairs.
“FEMA’s funding within the PR100 research reiterates our shared dedication to constructing resilient infrastructure and creating clear power options for Puerto Ricans that can have long-lasting advantages to communities and generations to come back,” feedback FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “Because of the partnership the Division of Vitality has with FEMA, we have been capable of consider and assist fund the event of fresh power alternate options for the reconstruction of the facility grid to assist Puerto Rico meet its renewable power targets. This research is considered one of a number of methods that FEMA is collaborating with Puerto Rico on to assist the restoration of the power grid by way of equitable, sustainable and resilient options.”
Preliminary findings of the primary yr of research analysis and stakeholder enter exhibits renewable power potential in Puerto Rico considerably exceeds complete power demand now and thru 2050. As well as, distributed power assets and various system configurations (e.g., group photo voltaic, agrovoltaics) may guarantee Puerto Rico meets its renewable power targets whereas preserving agricultural land and guarded areas. Important further technology capability is required instantly to enhance reliability.
Smaller renewable assets unfold throughout the facility system may get better quicker from disruptive occasions than the present system, which consists of fewer and bigger energy vegetation. Prioritizing stakeholder enter and interagency coordination is vital to beat previous challenges.
As dozens of recent power restoration initiatives transfer in the direction of building, the PR100 research helps DOE leverage the world-class experience and superior modeling capabilities of its Nationwide Labs to make sure that funded power restoration actions align with Puerto Rico power coverage and resilience wants, are coordinated throughout sectors, and align with trade finest practices. Led by DOE’s Nationwide Renewable Vitality Laboratory (NREL), the research connects native decisionmakers and communities with instruments, coaching, and analytical assist to allow planning and operation of the Commonwealth’s energy grid with higher resilience towards disruption because it strikes towards its 100% renewable power objective.
The 2-year PR100 Examine depends on intensive enter to make sure that the undertaking crew is offering efficient and related technical help. DOE has convened an advisory group of almost 100 people from 60 organizations representing the general public, personal, and nonprofit sectors. On this means, PR100 will mirror and reply to a breadth of stakeholder views and priorities and can assist progress towards power justice for all Puerto Ricans.
In October 2022, following devastating Hurricane Fiona, President Biden introduced the Puerto Rico Grid Restoration and Modernization Staff, led by Agustín Carbó, the previous Chairman of the Puerto Rico Vitality Fee (now the Puerto Rico Vitality Bureau), to work throughout the federal and native governments to establish and overcome impediments to fast infrastructure deployment. These efforts are an outgrowth of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in February 2022 by DOE, the Departments of Homeland Safety, FEMA, HUD, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to boost collaboration between the companies.
Starting in 2023, Secretary Granholm will take part in a street tour of Puerto Rico to pay attention and study in regards to the points impacting the island’s grid resilience and restoration from communities by way of private engagements, townhalls, and listening periods. Throughout the occasions, DOE will search to establish methods to handle current short-term hurdles that can assist allow precedence and pressing initiatives to interrupt floor forward of the following hurricane season.
