Overview
AES Ilumina is a 24 MW solar PV facility in Puerto Rico, operated by AES Corporation. It contributes to the island's renewable energy capacity and grid resilience.
AES Ilumina is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in Puerto Rico, United States, with a capacity of 24 megawatts (MW). Owned and operated by AES Corporation, the facility is operational and plays a role in diversifying the island's energy mix. As a medium-scale solar installation, it supports Puerto Rico's transition toward renewable energy sources. The plant utilizes solar PV technology to convert sunlight into electricity, a key technology for reducing reliance on fossil fuels. In Puerto Rico, solar energy is particularly valuable due to the island's high solar irradiance. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, including the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Puerto Rico's Renewable Portfolio Standard, which aims for 100% renewable energy by 2050. AES Ilumina contributes to grid stability and energy independence in Puerto Rico, which has faced significant power infrastructure challenges. By generating clean electricity, the plant helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and supports local communities with reliable power. Its location in a hurricane-prone region underscores the importance of distributed solar generation for resilience.
Environmental context
Puerto Rico's tropical climate and high solar irradiance make it ideal for solar PV generation. The facility's location near the coast may involve land-use considerations, but solar farms generally have low visual impact compared to other energy infrastructure. Solar PV avoids air and water pollution, contributing to improved local environmental quality.
Frequently asked questions
AES Ilumina is located in Puerto Rico, a territory of the United States, with coordinates approximately 17.95° N, 66.16° W.
AES Ilumina has a capacity of 24 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar PV facility.
AES Ilumina is owned by AES Corporation, a global energy company with a significant portfolio of renewable energy assets.
Solar PV in Puerto Rico operates under US federal policies like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Puerto Rico's Renewable Portfolio Standard, which targets 100% renewable energy by 2050.
AES Ilumina provides clean electricity to Puerto Rico's grid, enhancing energy independence and resilience, especially in a region prone to hurricanes and grid instability.