Puerto Rico Ocean Technology Complex (PROTech)

The use of ocean or deep sea water technology has been discussed globally since the 1960s. Numerous studies and discussions have been conducted in Puerto Rico over the years. However, since the 1980s this matter has remained a forgotten dream. In September 2017, two catastrophic natural disasters, Hurricanes Irma and María, changed the rules of the game related to power generation and the use of new technologies. These events reactivated the idea and opened up new opportunities to explore this untapped resource. Our project reinforces Puerto Rico’s energy public policy with the signing of Law 17-2019, which requires generating 100% of renewable energy by 2050.

The Puerto Rico Ocean Technology Complex (PROTech) is an innovative and regional industrial extension project that will be developed in the eastern part of Puerto Rico, specifically in the municipality of Yabucoa, and will thrive of the responsible use of water for the conversion of ocean thermal energy for various industries such as energy production, aquaculture, agriculture, micro-algae cultivation, refrigeration, among others. PROTech will also provide an opportunity for ecosystem research, both for the academy and private institutions, a recreational, cultural and commercial center, as well as a hospital institution, among others. All these projects will have an eco-friendly approach respecting nature, will be nourished by the supply of saline waters (DSW), and will benefit from the energy production of the project.

Through a technical study, it was determined that the municipality of Yabucoa is the right place for the development of this project because it meets the necessary characteristics, from its strategic geographical location to the extension of land, to promote an initiative of this extent. This innovative concept, which will be the first in the Caribbean and the third in the world, will be the spearhead of economic growth in the southeast region of Puerto Rico, and eventually the Island. The objective is to catapult Puerto Rico into a knowledge context, with responsible infrastructure and in a precinct of planning and technology development, capable of transforming the current energy scenario of the Island and, optimistically speaking, of the world. Both Puerto Rico and the world need to take advanced steps that contribute to their progress.

Roadmap

Below, the Proposed Roadmap for Development (Master Plan), a site feasibility evaluation is performed in order to assess the most desirable location on Puerto Rico’s southeast coast, for the project development.

Invitation to Prequalified Respondents to Submit Proposals

The Government of Puerto Rico, through the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (“DDEC”, for its Spanish acronym), with the consent of the Puerto Rico Land Administration (“PRLA”), is issuing this Request for Proposals (“RFP”) to Prequalified Respondents that have the expertise and ability to design, build, operate, maintain and finance the PUERTO RICO OCEAN TECHNOLOGY COMPLEX (“PROTECH”), one of the most exciting and innovative development opportunities anywhere. As stated in the RFQ, the entire project is comprised of a mixed-use development, mostly related to deep seawater industries and sustainable strategies, including an ocean thermal energy conversion plant, which amounts to a potential investment of over $300MM, through the long term lease of approximately two hundred and fifteen (215) acres of land owned by the PRLA, around the Yabucoa Port in the eastern region of Puerto Rico.

This RFP constitutes the Second Phase of a three-phase Procurement Process to solicit and select a Master Developer capable of developing the entire project and to negotiate the terms and conditions of a long term lease agreement for the development and operation of the Project.

First Phase – Request for Qualifications (RFQ).

This phase consisted of the RFQ that was issued on July 7th, 2020. During this stage, three (3) of the RFQ Respondents were classified as Prequalified Proposers and invited to participate in the Second Phase of the Procurement Process.

Second Phase – Request for Proposals (RFP).

This current stage requires the submissions of Proposals and, if requested by the DDEC, participation in interviews or submission of responses to questions or a Best and Final Offer. At the completion of the Second Phase, the DDEC may select one Proposer to participate in the Third Phase of the Procurement Process.

Third Phase – Negotiations

This final stage will entail the exclusive negotiation between the PRLA and the Selected Proposer of this RFP, for the lease of the Property. The Third Phase will be subject to compliance with the PRLA’s enacting law (Act 13 of May 16, 1962, as amended) and regulations.

Timeline

• Issuance of the RFP to the Prequalified Respondents Monday, October 5, 2020
• Mandatory Video Call Meeting – Monday, October 12, 2020
• Optional Property Visits for Prequalified Respondents October, 2020
• Deadline for Questions on the RFP – Wednesday, November 4, 2020
• Deadline for Posted Responses to Questions – Monday, November 23, 2020
• Proposal Deadline – Friday, December 4, 2020
• Presentations by Prequalified Respondents – Monday, December 7,2020
• Selection of top Master Developer – Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Request for proposal

Download the RFP

PROTech Questions Form

The companies participating in the RFP process wil have the opportunity to submit their questions, both about the project and the process, on or before Wednesday, November 4, 2020.

Support & reference documents

The following documents are related to the project and will facilitate the process of creating the proposal and the lease application. In addition, the PROTech Situation and Location Plan is presented.