Climate Curve

Link: LinkedIn:

Primary Project Category:

Secondary Project Category:

Name of Project:

Year Project Originated:

Project Summary / Description:

This initiative advances the feasibility and pre-development of an anaerobic digestion (AD) system integrated with combined heat and power (CHP) to convert organic waste streams in Puerto Rico into renewable baseload electricity, useful thermal energy, cooling via absorption chilling, and nutrient-rich fertilizers. Phase 1 targets approximately 100,000 tons per year of organic waste, delivering ~1 MW of firm renewable electricity while avoiding methane emissions from landfilling and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and fertilizers. The project is designed for a tropical, island context with high climate vulnerability and supply chain risk.

How Project Affects Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions:

['Replaces/avoids GHGs (e.g., projects that replace sources of GHGs, such as the burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat, transport, or other energy uses)']

Impact on Underrepresented Groups:

This project is led by a woman-founded environmental innovation firm and is intentionally designed to serve communities that are often underrepresented in climate infrastructure development. By addressing organic waste management and energy resilience in Puerto Rico, the project directly benefits rural and climate-vulnerable communities that experience disproportionate exposure to landfill impacts, energy insecurity, and economic constraints. The initiative supports local job creation in waste management, renewable energy, and facility operations, creating technical and workforce development opportunities for young professionals and early-career practitioners. The project also strengthens local agricultural systems by returning nutrient-rich digestate to farms, supporting rural livelihoods and reducing dependence on imported fertilizers. Within the organization, leadership and decision-making are driven by a woman founder with expertise in environmental management and circular economy systems. As the project advances, it will prioritize local hiring, partnerships with educational institutions, and engagement with municipalities and community stakeholders to ensure that benefits are distributed equitably and contribute to long-term community resilience.