Puerto Rico’s Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) is preparing a request for proposals (RFP) to recruit companies to build several "waste to energy" plants across the island, aiming to end the long-running problem of garbage disposal while generating electricity. DRNA Secretary Waldemar Quiles told Primera Hora the RFP would be issued in 2027, not this year, because the agency is still researching the technology and wants to involve mayors in discussing alternatives.
He did not say which technology is sought, such as incineration, gasification or pyrolysis, or where the plants would be located; those details would come from proposals received under Public-Private Partnerships (APP). Quiles said several plants are needed for logistical reasons, since hauling garbage to one site would make it too costly. He said the plants could produce roughly 30 to 40 megawatts of continuous power.
He said the idea failed under previous administrations, most recently that of former Governor Luis Fortuño, because of community protests. He argued engineering has advanced so emissions are lower than those of current landfills, and said such plants operate in Europe and the United States, some in city centers. Quiles said Puerto Ricans have never wanted to recycle or reuse, that recycling cannot reach 100% and that barges to ship waste off the island are too costly. Quiles called this "the best option."