In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico faced severe devastation, particularly at a children's hospital that was left in dire need of power. As part of the island’s recovery efforts, Tesla stepped in to provide critical support by installing a large solar farm to ensure a stable energy supply for the hospital. This initiative not only helped restore essential services but also demonstrated the potential of renewable energy in disaster-stricken areas.
Puerto Rico has been actively working on post-disaster recovery, with local U.S. technology companies playing a significant role. Earlier this month, Elon Musk and Puerto Rico’s Mayor, Ricardo Rosselló, discussed plans to rebuild the island’s power grid using Tesla’s solar and battery technology. The hurricane had left 75% of residents without electricity, and Tesla has since deployed solar and energy storage systems to support critical infrastructure, including the San Juan Children’s Hospital.
The hospital serves over 3,000 children, many of whom require continuous medical care. After the storm, it relied on diesel generators, which were both costly and unreliable. Thanks to Tesla’s temporary solar array combined with battery storage installed in the parking lot, the hospital now has a reliable power source. However, Musk emphasized that this is just one of many projects the company has undertaken in the region.
Rafael Pagán, chairman of the hospital’s board, praised the speed and efficiency of the Tesla team, stating, “I have never seen such a rapid response; they completed the work within a week.â€
Despite these positive developments, the overall recovery process remains challenging. The local government pledged to restore 95% of the electricity supply by December 31, but many believe this timeline is overly optimistic. Rebuilding the power grid is estimated to cost $5 billion, and concerns about funding shortages are growing.
Before the hurricane hit in July, the public power company PREPA had already filed for bankruptcy. The recent plan to restore power has sparked controversy, especially after PREPA signed a $300 million contract with Whitefish Energy, a small company with only two full-time employees. The company’s CEO, Andy Techmanski, claimed he won the contract because he arrived on the island first, just six days after the storm hit, and did not ask for a prepayment.
This situation has raised questions about the transparency and fairness of the contracting process, especially given the close ties between Whitefish Energy and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke. While the company insists it was the right choice at the right time, the challenges faced by Puerto Rico continue to highlight the urgent need for sustainable and resilient energy solutions.
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