On November 15, 2024, attention turns to Salinas, Puerto Rico, known for its serene waters and stunning mountain scenery. In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017, which devastated the island’s power grid, Puerto Rico’s residents faced prolonged electricity outages—some lasting a year or more. This catastrophe highlighted the urgent need for a more reliable and sustainable energy system. In an effort to address this, a major solar project called “Project Marahu” has been proposed. However, significant concerns from local advocates, particularly regarding its environmental impact, are surfacing.
The Puerto Rican government aims to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050, moving away from the fossil fuels that currently supply 90% of the island’s energy needs. To aid this transition, the Department of Energy recently announced an $860 million loan for two large-scale solar projects intended to generate 200 megawatts of solar energy annually, enough to power around 43,000 homes. Clean Flexible Energy LLC, a subsidiary of AES Corporation and Total Energies Holdings, will manage the project, which has drawn skepticism due to AES’s history of operating a coal plant in the area.
Ruth Santiago, an environmental attorney and member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council, is vocal about her concerns regarding the project’s implications on both local communities and ecosystems. She points out that the land identified for the solar installation is rich in biodiversity and home to protected species, such as the yellow-shouldered blackbird and the Puerto Rican boa. Additionally, Santiago highlights the risks of building the project in a flood-prone area that is also seismically active, threatening vulnerable nearby communities already facing socio-economic challenges.
Advocates like Santiago suggest that the focus should instead be on utilizing existing infrastructures—such as rooftops and parking lots—for solar energy installations. This decentralized approach could enhance resilience, reduce reliance on a vulnerable grid, and better serve the local population. Despite the challenges posed by large-scale projects, Santiago notes that community-driven initiatives, like rooftop solar programs in the Adjuntas region, show promise for equitable energy access.
Looking ahead, Santiago envisions a future where government and energy companies prioritize funding for rooftop solar, energy efficiency programs, and community-driven energy production. With significant federal disaster recovery funding available, there’s an opportunity to create a sustainable and resilient energy system in Puerto Rico.
While concerns around Project Marahu persist, there remains hope for a concerted effort towards clean and just energy solutions that truly benefit the people of Puerto Rico. By focusing on community empowerment and sustainable practices, the island can leverage its natural assets to build a brighter energy future.