Jose Ignacio Villarreal Marimon, MBA, MSc

Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) are revolutionizing grid management by integrating distributed energy resources like solar, wind, and battery storage. Discover our recommendations for successful implementation and how VPPs can support a sustainable energy future, based on project work we've completed in Puerto Rico. https://lnkd.in/eJE2XMic #energyinnovation #gridmanagement #gridtransformation #VPPs Paul Quinlan Tony Gonzalez

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I am thrilled to announce the publication of our most recent article in the Journal of Energy Storage: "Robust economic–environmental dispatch problem for BESS and PV generators in MT-HVDC systems: A MI-MPC approach." In this work, we propose a strategy using convex optimization for the dispatch of Energy Storage Systems and renewable generation systems in Multi-Terminal HVDC (MT-HVDC) systems considering uncertainties and multi-objective programming. #RenewableEnergy #EnergyStorage #Sustainability #Research

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U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) granted a $559.4 million loan guarantee to Convergent for solar and battery projects in Puerto Rico, enhancing grid resilience and clean energy. More details here. https://lnkd.in/dJWdrrS9 #ConvergentEnergyPower #DOE #GridResilience #puertorico #SolarStorage

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This is a prime example to show one of the reasons that we strongly oppose utility scale solar (and storage?) for the Boricua context. The cost is higher than what it would cost if you install the same amount of PV generation capacity in rooftops and energy storage capacity in houses and apartments. My rough estimate (will work more on this next week) is that it could cost less than $800 million, at market price with no subsidies. But this 2 projects seem to have a capital cost of $860 million. There is NO economies of scale for utility scale solar in Puerto Rico. There is no evidence that utility scale solar generation can improve grid resiliency. Utility scale solar is not the best way to reduce energy cost for Puerto Rico today. We do not need all solar alternatives in Puerto Rico. At the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez we have a team including Lionel R Orama, Agustin Irizarry and Eduardo Lugo working on this issues for some years. We should talk Angel Zayas, Agustín F. Carbó-Lugo, Marisol Bonnet, Nate Blair, Jennifer Granholm.

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Major atmospheric events continuously damage Puerto Rico’s power lines. José Andrés Benítez Rivera, PE discusses resilient and data-driven solutions to help rebuild Puerto Rico’s infrastructure. https://hubs.li/Q02xPCxX0 #PuertoRico #Power #Transmission #PowerTransmission

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Today's Energy Monitor: Mexico faces power outages, CRE forms task force to develop solar standards, and CRE considers power storage regulation. https://lnkd.in/e-daEfkK

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Major atmospheric events continuously damage Puerto Rico’s power lines. José Andrés Benítez Rivera, PE discusses resilient and data-driven solutions to help rebuild Puerto Rico’s infrastructure. https://hubs.li/Q02xPCxX0 #PuertoRico #Power #Transmission #PowerTransmission

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By leveraging innovative energy off-taking strategies and optimizing the interactions between PV and BESS, this unique hybrid resource is poised to deliver reliable and stable power from sustainable sources, crucial for the ongoing energy transition.

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Project Marahu will add 200 MW of solar power and 285 MW of storage, powering 43,000 homes annually. The project is set to create approximately 750 construction jobs and over 50 permanent positions, boosting local employment. This development supports Puerto Rico's transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050, enhancing grid reliability and reducing fossil fuel dependence. #PuertoRico #2050 #Solar #BatteryStorage #EnergyTransition #Marahu #Sustainability #EconomicGrowth Cr: Akielly Hu | Canary Media Read More: https://buff.ly/3ZhE1s2

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Dive into the empowering figures behind the largest clean energy microgrid in Puerto Rico – a future for manufacturing facilities that reaches beyond facility walls to support energy resiliency for the broader community. By harnessing the power of solar energy and a co-located battery storage, this microgrid developed in partnership by Enel and Eaton is not just about reducing emissions and cutting costs—it also showcases the potential for renewable energy to strengthen the reliability of local power grids. For more: http://ms.spr.ly/6043YBOb5

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📖 Research Publication Alert: At CITCEA-UPC in a collaborative research with Facultad de Ingenierías UTP, we have developed a methodology for addressing the unpredictable variations in power demands and renewable generation systems for the energy management of active distribution systems. Highlights • Robust optimization model for energy management in active distribution systems. • Power dispatch of modern and conventional devices to reduce energy costs. • The energy management model is convexified using a MI-SOC relaxation. • Renewable energy and demand uncertainties addressed through robust optimization. We invite you to read the full article "Robust energy management in active distribution networks using mixed-integer convex optimization" here: https://lnkd.in/dRPs82KC Authors: Mario Alejandro Useche Arteaga , J Gil González , Oriol Gomis Bellmunt , Marc Cheah Mañé, Vinicius Albernaz Lacerda .

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As Pedro Pizarro says, "Affordability is top of mind". And while the safety and security of people will always come first, the affordability of power must be a top goal for all utilities during this historic period of grid expansion. Here's an idea how utilities can recognize employees who make great money saves and promote these winning techniques so others can repeat them. #cleanenergytransition #lean #synergy #electricutility #decarbonisation

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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will provide more than half a billion dollars in loans to add nearly 1 GWh Convergent to build and operate utility-scale solar-plus-storage in Puerto Rico, improving grid resilience. The post Puerto Rico receives US DOE loans to boost battery storage to 1 GWh appeared first on Energy Storage. #energystorage #news #technology

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The Importance of Maintaining Utility Infrastructure in Puerto Rico Maintaining the infrastructure of essential utilities—electricity, potable water, and sanitation—is critical to ensuring the well-being, safety, and economic stability of Puerto Rico. These systems form the backbone of daily life, and their optimal functioning directly impacts public health, economic development, and environmental sustainability. The electrical infrastructure is vital for powering homes, businesses, hospitals, and schools. Given Puerto Rico’s vulnerability to hurricanes and other natural disasters, it is essential to invest in resilient and modernized energy systems. Frequent power outages and reliance on outdated technology not only disrupt daily life but also hinder economic growth. Strengthening this infrastructure through renewable energy integration and upgraded grid systems can reduce dependency on fossil fuels and enhance energy security. Similarly, a reliable potable water system is fundamental to public health. Aging pipes, leaks, and water contamination threaten access to clean drinking water. Addressing these challenges requires regular maintenance, advanced filtration systems, and investment in sustainable water management practices. Such measures ensure access to safe drinking water while preserving the island’s finite water resources. Sanitation systems also play a crucial role in protecting the environment and public health. Failing sewage systems can lead to pollution of rivers and beaches, harming marine ecosystems and the tourism industry. Proper maintenance and modernization of wastewater treatment facilities can mitigate these risks, ensuring compliance with environmental standards and safeguarding natural resources. Maintaining these infrastructures is not merely a matter of convenience but a strategic necessity for Puerto Rico’s resilience and progress. Proactive investment and comprehensive planning will foster a sustainable and secure future, improving quality of life for all residents while supporting economic growth and environmental preservation.

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Puerto Rico’s energy future is at a turning point. Here are some recent developments for you to know: 🔋 DOE Loan for Project Marahu: The U.S. Department of Energy approved an $861M loan guarantee for the island’s largest solar and battery project. It’s a boost for clean energy but raises questions about local control. ⚖️ PREPA Bankruptcy: Negotiations continue in the bankruptcy case of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority as the litigation stay is extended. Resolving this $10B debt crisis is key to unlocking investments in renewables. 🗳️ Virtual Boricua Town Hall: Power 4 Puerto Rico rallied voices to discuss the impact of Puerto Ricans on local and national elections — and vice versa. Dive deeper into what these updates mean for Puerto Rico’s transition to renewable energy in the latest Connect Puerto Rico. https://lnkd.in/g2bAGSrJ #ConnectPuertoRico #RenewableEnergy #PuertoRico #CleanEnergy #Elections2024

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🔥 Read our Paper  📚 Fabrication and Performance Evaluation of a Directly Immersed Photovoltaic-Thermal Concentrator for Building Integration 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gNwZaTEt 👨‍🔬 by Alberto Riverola et al. 🏫 University of Lleida #photovoltaic #thermal #building #solar

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