Renewable technology is helping Puerto Rico improve its energy resilience as the island continues to recover from multiple disasters in the last few years.

The U.S. Department of Energy recently announced a major award to equip buildings with solar plus battery storage technology. The award will provide up to $365 million to improve community-level energy resilience for vulnerable populations.

Funding will support solar and battery storage installations specifically for community healthcare facilities and housing developments. Eligible residential facilities include public housing and privately owned subsidized multifamily properties.

Awards are being granted through the Programa de Comunidades Resilientes (Resilient Communities Program), a DOE initiative launched this summer. It targets hospitals and housing because they are considered vital infrastructure in vulnerable communities on the island.

Selected recipients include teams that have an existing presence on the island and that represent a diverse cross-section of stakeholders, including community-based organizations; nonprofit organizations; solar installation companies; engineering, procurement and design firms; consultants; and others.

Funding awards will be split relatively evenly between the two types of infrastructure, with about $190 million going to solar-plus-storage projects in housing developments and $175 million for installations in healthcare facilities.

While providing much needed energy resilience, the awards will also help create jobs on the island.

Puerto Rico, which is a U.S. territory, suffers from a high rate of poverty and has been hit hard by two major hurricanes plus earthquakes in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic also had a devastating impact on the island’s economy and its residents. Recovery is ongoing.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said the funding will support infrastructure development that is critical to the island’s progress, giving families expanded access to services and reliable electricity “when and where they need it most.”