The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Economic Impact and Diversity (ED) has announced it has entered a two-year cooperative agreement worth $992,000 with the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). This agreement aims to promote energy resilience in low-income communities of Puerto Rico by developing resilience hubs and installing solar-plus-storage systems at community-serving organizations that have endured frequent and lengthy power outages, as stated in a press release issued by the Department of Energy (ED).
The Office of Economic Impact and Diversity (ED) is in charge of directing a program called the Puerto Rico Grid Resilience Hubs Program, which aims to improve the reliability of the electrical grid in Puerto Rico. The Department of Energy (ED) has issued a press release stating that these nodes are essential for maintaining energy resilience in the event of natural catastrophes such as hurricanes. This is because these nodes guarantee ongoing access to essential equipment and services.
It is essential, when considering Puerto Rico's power infrastructure, to take into account the one-of-a-kind energy requirements and limitations of the island's areas that are not currently being served. According to a press release issued by ED, Shalanda H. Baker, Director of the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity and Secretarial Advisor on Equity at DOE, stated that the government is investing in equity-centered climate solutions by funding projects like Resilience Hubs, which provide direct and immediate benefit to those who are struggling with the persistent and lingering effects of climate change. The statement was made in response to a question regarding whether or not the government is investing in equity-centered climate solutions. "This project will not only help communities be more adaptive and resilient in the face of natural disasters, but it will also build stronger communities in the face of all challenges."
IREC will select communities that will collaborate with the University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez on a project that will focus on social equity, climate resilience, and disaster management. They will work together to select sites, fulfill local energy demands, and receive training in the management and maintenance of the Hub, as stated in a press release issued by the Department of Energy (ED).
