Para enmendar los Artículos 1.2, 1.4 y 2.3 de la “Ley de Política Pública de Diversificación Energética por Medio de la Energía Renovable Sostenible y Alterna en Puerto Rico”, Ley 82-2010, según enmendada,; a los fines de actualizar la Declaración de Política Pública para reforzar la diversificación energética y la reducción de emisiones; añadir definiciones relativas a los Reactores Modulares Pequeños (SMR, por sus siglas en inglés) y promover la investigación sobre su posible implementación en Puerto Rico; ordenar a la Universidad de Puerto Rico a desarrollar currículos académicos y programas de investigación enfocados en alternativas energéticas modernas y de menor impacto ambiental, así como a diseñar y ejecutar programas educativos comunitarios sobre fuentes de energía limpias; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Bill expands Puerto Rico's renewable energy law to include Small Modular Reactors as potential energy source and requires University of Puerto Rico to develop clean energy research programs and community education initiatives.

Referido a Comisión(es)

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 1092 amends Puerto Rico's 2010 renewable energy law to add Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a potential energy diversification option and to strengthen the public policy framework for reducing emissions. The bill mandates that the University of Puerto Rico develop academic curricula, research programs, and community education initiatives focused on modern, low-impact energy alternatives.

Why is this important

Puerto Rico currently relies heavily on fossil fuels for electricity generation, making energy diversification critical for both economic and environmental sustainability. This bill positions nuclear technology (SMRs) alongside renewables as a potential solution while creating institutional capacity for energy research and public education—factors essential for informed policy decisions and workforce development in the energy sector.

Potential points of contention

Nuclear energy controversy: Introducing SMRs into Puerto Rico's energy policy is divisive; opponents cite safety concerns, waste disposal challenges, and accident risks on an island, while proponents argue modern reactors are safer and more efficient than older designs.

Funding and implementation clarity: The bill mandates UPR to develop new programs without specifying budget allocation, raising questions about resource availability and whether this diverts funds from existing commitments.

Research vs. commitment ambiguity: The language around SMR "research" and "possible implementation" leaves unclear whether this commits Puerto Rico to eventually adopting nuclear energy or is purely exploratory, potentially creating false expectations.