A group of solar and energy storage companies, some international in scope, have joined forces to advocate for Puerto Rico as it rebuilds its electric grid.
New Energy, Pura Energía, SRInergy, Windmar, Sunrun, Tabuchi and Sonnen are among the founding members of the Solar and Energy Storage Association of Puerto Rico (SESA-PR).
“I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. Our electric grid was broken when I was growing up and is obviously in even worse condition today,” said Alejandro Uriarte, director of SESA-PR and managing partner at New Energy Consultants. “Rebuilding after the hurricanes provides our island with a unique opportunity to upgrade our grid using better, more reliable technology like solar and battery storage that can make Puerto Rico an energy leader in the United States and across the world.”
The industry group is forming as Puerto Rico struggles to modernize its electric system following its total collapse from Hurricane Maria in September. A recent Harvard study estimated that the hurricane resulted in more than 4,000 deaths on the island, many during the weeks and months afterward when healthcare facilities still lacked electricity.
Puerto Rico also labors under power costs that are the second highest in the nation, a burden that SESA-PR attributes to the grid’s instability and reliance on fossil fuels.
Since the storm, several companies, aid groups and federal workers have been trying to quickly install microgrids and nanogrids to ensure electric service, especially for critical services or remote areas where grid repair is difficult.
Recent Comments