LUMA connects 90MW solar project to Puerto Rico grid
Puerto Rico’s power transmission and distribution operator, LUMA Energy, said it has interconnected more than 90 megawatts of renewable energy from the Ciro 1 solar project in Salinas, marking a milestone in efforts to expand and modernize Puerto Rico’s electric system through private-sector development.
The project, developed by Ciro Energy Group, adds renewable generation capacity equivalent to the electricity use of more than 75,000 customers, according to LUMA. The company said the interconnection reflects ongoing efforts to integrate renewable energy and diversify power generation on the island.
Connecting the project required construction of a new substation designed and built by Ciro Energy Group, which LUMA described as essential to incorporating the facility into the grid. The Ciro 1 solar farm includes about 260,000 solar panels, battery storage systems and digital infrastructure designed to withstand winds of up to 175 miles per hour.
LUMA said the substation incorporates digital systems intended to speed outage response, improve grid stability and strengthen service reliability.
The project also marks the start of what LUMA characterized as broader collaboration with local and international developers to expand renewable generation in Puerto Rico. LUMA’s role includes integrating new power sources into the grid and overseeing interconnection processes to meet technical and safety requirements.
“This is just the beginning of a new stage for our electric grid: smarter, more resilient and ready for the future,” said Pedro Meléndez, LUMA’s chief officer of capital programs and grid transformation. He said the project demonstrates the potential of coordination between public and private sectors.
LUMA outlined additional phases of renewable integration. In a second phase, two projects developed by Clean Flexible Energy are expected to add about 220 megawatts of capacity. A third phase includes the planned interconnection of the Ciro 2 and Guayama projects, also developed by Ciro Energy Group.
Once all phases are completed, the combined projects are expected to contribute about 420 megawatts of renewable energy to Puerto Rico’s electric grid, supporting long-term energy transition goals and efforts to improve system resilience.
