Rocky Mountain Institute and Resilient Power Puerto Rico Launch the Puerto Rico Energy Toolkit
San Juan, Puerto Rico – September 3, 2019 – The Puerto Rico-based nonprofit organization Resilient Power Puerto Rico (RPPR) and Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) have developed the Puerto Rico Energy Toolkit as part of a larger initiative to catalyze the deployment of renewable energy systems and microgrids for community-based organizations throughout Puerto Rico.
The Toolkit includes the Community Vulnerability Tool; IllumiNation, a tool to match microgrid projects with funding; and, the Renewable Energy Directory, an online directory of professionals and organizations directly involved in the planning, design, installation and management of renewable energy systems. The goal of the Toolkit is to directly influence future microgrid implementation efforts by RPPR, RMI and other like-minded organizations, enabling them to be more impactful and efficient.
RMI and RPPR encourage energy stakeholders in Puerto Rico and beyond to utilize the tool for a greater understanding of energy needs and access to resources for renewable energy and microgrid projects. If organizations are considering developing a microgrid, are interested in funding or financing a microgrid, or are a Puerto Rico-based entity involved in renewable energy and microgrid development, they can create a profile and be featured on the Toolkit website. RMI and RPPR look forward to furthering their partnership and continuing to improve the Toolkit.
“We believe the Toolkit will fast-track renewable microgrid implementation in Puerto Rico and serve as a mechanism to connect funders to communities with viable clean energy projects. We are honored to partner with RPPR and know this Toolkit will bring immediate value to the broader community and Puerto Rico’s recovery,” said Roy Torbert, Puerto Rico lead and principal at RMI.
The Toolkit, released today, consists of three main components, including:
- The Community Vulnerability Tool, which allows communities in Puerto Rico to define their geographical boundaries and visualize, through maps and graphs, their exposure to natural hazards, socioeconomic conditions and access to transportation networks and essential services. It also allows communities to compare their local conditions with the rest of their municipality, region and all of Puerto Rico.
- IllumiNation, a matchmaking tool used to pair critical community entities and facilities ready to transition into renewable energy and microgrids with investors interested in financing projects throughout Puerto Rico.
- The Renewable Energy Directory, which includes key stakeholders (like the government, utility, designers, suppliers, installers and financing vehicles) in the renewable energy industry in Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean.
“The Toolkit we are releasing today is an extraordinary example of technology at the service of communities and the environment. RPPR is delighted to continue its collaboration with RMI, promoting clean energy and stronger communities throughout Puerto Rico,” said José Juan Terrasa-Soler, executive director at RPPR.
The Puerto Rico Energy Toolkit can be found at prenergytoolkit.com.
About RMI
Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI)—an independent nonprofit founded in 1982—transforms global energy use to create a clean, prosperous, and secure low-carbon future. It engages businesses, communities, institutions, and entrepreneurs to accelerate the adoption of market-based solutions that cost-effectively shift from fossil fuels to efficiency and renewables. RMI has offices in Basalt and Boulder, Colorado; New York City; Washington, D.C.; the San Francisco Bay Area; and Beijing.
About Resilient Power Puerto Rico
Resilient Power Puerto Rico (RPPR) is an independent nonprofit founded in 2017 in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Our team leverages its network of committed collaborators to: strengthen communities’ capacities to assess and address their critical needs; increase local access to knowledge, tools, and resources for sustainable and equitable community development; and foster the continuity of critical built and social infrastructure systems.