DEPCOM gives details of 90-MW solar, 51.5-MW BESS hybrid in Puerto Rico

US energy solutions contractor DEPCOM Power on Monday described its role in the creation of the recently inaugurated Ciro One hybrid generation facility in Salinas, Puerto Rico, and provided insight into several features of the 90-MWac solar photovoltaic plant and accompanying 51.5-MW battery energy storage system (BESS).

DEPCOM said it had orchestrated the conceptualisation, procurement, and installation of the solar-plus-storage system in collaboration with developer partner Ciro Energy Group and local subcontractor Lord Construction Inc.

According to DEPCOM, Ciro One is Puerto Rico's largest solar and BESS facility.

Ciro One features a lithium-titanate oxide (LTO) battery, ensuring a warranted system life of 25 years. The solar portion of the project has been designed to withstand hurricane-force winds, with a lower panel tilt angle and east/west row orientation. The inverters have salt fog filters to mitigate the effects of salinity on the plant’s electronics, DEPCOM said.

In the event of grid failure, the Ciro One system will island the BESS using a connected solar array for power supply instead diesel generators.

The project will also serve as a pilot site for agrovoltaics, allowing double use of limited land on the island for both electricity production and sheep grazing to manage vegetation.

The hybrid plant is expected to commence operation by the end of 2024. Once up and running, it will power 60,000 Puerto Rican homes, generate economic benefits, and contribute to the island's goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2050.

DEPCOM will remain with the project to provide operation and maintenance services to the plant or a five-year period.

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