Since multiple failures of the Puerto Rican electricity network due to climate catastrophes, the government is looking for new ways to create more energy security. Energy reforms are intended to remedy the situation, but what role do renewable energies play? Maximiliano Proaño explains: In September 2017, Hurricanes Maria and Irma destroyed an important part of Puerto Rico’s electric grid, leaving many people without power for months. Indeed electricity generation dropped by 60% in the fourth quarter of 2017 from the same period in 2016. This tragedy raised a national debate about the security and resilience of Puerto Rico’s energy grid. The crisis presented the necessity of energy reform and opened the opportunity to modernize the energy system which relied heavily on fossil fuels. In June 2017, 47% of its electricity came from petroleum, 34% from natural gas, 17% from coal, and 2% from renewable energy. The share of renewable energy in the country is meager considering Puerto Rico’s potential for wind, solar photovoltaic and ocean waves resources. In fact, using only 10% of these resources could provide an … Continue reading Puerto Rican energy: does calm come after the storm?