Local team nets prize to develop hydroelectric microgrids for rural PR communities

The Cooperativa Hidroeléctrica de la Montaña, in collaboration with Green Power Technologies Puerto Rico, has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as one of the 10 prize winners of the second phase of the Solutions for Lasting, Viable Energy Infrastructure Technologies (SOLVE IT) prize.

The award includes a $150,000 prize, which will be used to advance the development of hydroelectric microgrids for rural communities in Puerto Rico. The SOLVE IT award aims to empower communities to identify and implement clean energy solutions that respond to their specific needs. During the second phase, the Puerto Rico Hydro Microgrid Partners team worked in collaboration with community leaders and strategic partners to develop an innovative plan focused on strengthening energy resilience in low-income rural communities.

The project presented by the team focuses on the implementation of modular hydroelectric microgrids that diversify the available energy sources, thus ensuring a reliable supply even in emergency situations. “Hydroelectric power has a historic and critical role in Puerto Rico, serving as the original source of electricity, especially in the mountains,” said Sam Talman, director of energy services at Green Power Technologies Puerto Rico. “With our innovative distributed and scalable turbine technology, and with the support of the DOE, we can continue to take advantage of the natural resources in Puerto Rico to provide resilient, cost-effective, and clean energy to our communities.”