About This Project

Puerto Rico went dark after experiencing one of the most disastrous hurricane season in its history. A month after Hurricane Maria, 80% of the population still has no power. The collapse of Puerto Rico’s electric system can be an opportunity for technology innovation and energy transition. Through this project I will conduct a baseline assessment of stakeholder visions for Puerto Rico’s energy future using data from key stakeholders collected over the past year up to the hurricanes.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

The damage to Puerto Rico’s electric system is so severe that it invites us to explore options that go beyond simply repairing the old grid. Alternative energy technologies can have a significant impact on the island’s recovery and economic development potential. An energy transition will require leadership, participation and commitment from diverse stakeholders at local, regional, and state level. A multisectorial Energy Forum of Constituents of the National Institute of Energy and Island Sustainability (INESI), developed a Future Vision for Sustainable Energy Transition prior to the hurricane events and as part of this effort, sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF), were collected in-depth interviews of stakeholders that influence decision making on electric system.

What is the significance of this project?

The fragmented vision of production, distribution and energy consumption is not a sustainable option for the island. Puerto Ricans need to recognize the value of setting a transformative vision to their energy future and the role of diverse stakeholders to set and evaluate the pathways to achieve it. Different energy transitions have different drivers and provide a diverse set of challenges and opportunities. The electrical system could be transformed to minimize vulnerabilities and maximize opportunities, but it would be misleading to assume that a system transformation can occur without stakeholder intervention. This project will provide baseline information to start the constructive dialogue and make decisions for the sustainable energetic future of Puerto Rico in a timely manner.

What are the goals of the project?

As a starting point to Puerto Rico’s energy transition, it is crucial to understand the visions that stakeholders held prior to the hurricane disaster and examine potential barriers and opportunities to constructing alternative pathways.

The primary goals are to:

1) identify the vision and values that different stakeholders have about the energy future

2) validate a collective vision that can contribute to projects assessment

3) develop a peer-reviewed publication to provide a reference for transition efforts

The principal objectives are to:

1) identify approximations between the visions and values of the diverse sectors

2) explore whether there is collective understanding of the obstacles and opportunities to advance a shared vision of energy transformation