The U.S. Dept. of Vitality (DOE) introduced it can redirect $365 million in photo voltaic + storage funding to deal with Puerto Rico’s grid resiliency utilizing different unspecified applied sciences. The funding, allotted by way of the Puerto Rico Resilience Fund (PR-ERF), might be deployed to help “sensible fixes and emergency actions” that supply a “sooner, extra impactful” answer to the present disaster, benefiting essential amenities like hospitals and group facilities.
Right now’s announcement follows U.S. Sec. of Vitality Chris Wright’s determination to subject two emergency orders for Puerto Rico simply weeks after the newest island-wide blackout.
“Puerto Rico is going through an power emergency that requires we act now and ship rapid options. Our communities, companies, and healthcare amenities can’t afford to attend years, nor can we depend on piecemeal approaches with restricted outcomes. Slightly than impacting just a few prospects, deploying these funds for pressing initiatives that enhance the resiliency and reliability of our grid may have widespread, lasting advantages for all 3.2 million Individuals in Puerto Rico,” stated Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González-Colón. “Since day one, President Trump and Secretary Wright have made it a precedence to make sure we implement complete options to deal with Puerto Rico’s power challenges. I stay up for persevering with working with them on these efforts.”
This $365 million funding was initially awarded by the Biden administration in December 2024 to help rooftop photo voltaic and battery storage installations slated to start development in 2026. Right now, DOE stated it’s reprioritizing these awards and can redirect funding to help applied sciences that enhance system flexibility and response, energy circulate and management, part power, provide safety, and security.
DOE is working in shut coordination with Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González-Colón, Vitality Czar Josué A. Colón-Ortiz, Puerto Rico’s power business and key group leaders and stakeholders to make sure most effectiveness of DOE resiliency funds.
Information merchandise from DOE
