# Powering Puerto Rico: The Path to 100% Renewable Energy

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/01/powering-puerto-rico-the-path-to-100-renewable-energy/
- Published: 2020-01-08T22:42:31-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Puerto Rico Renewable Energy Challenge

According to [VOX](https://www.vox.com/2019/4/17/18306417/puerto-rico-renewable-energy-natural-gas),-
Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló has placed a definitive bet on wind, water and
also sunshine. Last week, he signed a bill, the [Public Energy Policy Law of Puerto Rico](https://ln.sync.com/dl/70dc986f0/pdcvivhq-u5yp9df7-6gh69r7k-mp8j9wqw/view/doc/8245123660006).
All to power the island solely by [renewable energy](https://www.utilitydive.com/news/puerto-rico-governor-signs-100-renewable-energy-mandate/552614/)
by 2050. Along the way, the island must also draw 40 percent of its electricity 
from renewables by 2025. Finally and give up coal by 2028.

#### In his tweet.

⌊Puerto Rico renewable energy challenge tweet⌉⌊Puerto Rico renewable energy challenge
tweet⌉
This puts Puerto Rico in league with more than [90 cities, counties, and states](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/01/over-1400-u-s-cities-states-and-businesses-vow-to-meet-paris-climate-commitments/).
For example [Hawaii](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/07/hawaii-votes-protect-coral-reefs-sunscreen/)
and New Mexico. Because they have set 100 percent clean energy targets. It also 
gives the territory a head start in bigger, more aggressive climate proposals. As
well as the [Green New Deal](https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2018/12/21/18144138/green-new-deal-alexandria-ocasio-cortez).“
I’m pretty sure that this will be, by leaps and bounds, the quickest transition 
to renewables that’s ever happened anywhere on the planet,” said P.J. Wilson, president
of the Solar and Energy Storage Association of [Puerto Rico](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/11/puerto-ricos-energy-efficiency-benefits-and-progress/).“
To go from [2] percent today to 40 percent by five years from now will be the biggest
challenge the renewable energy industry [in Puerto Rico] has ever faced, on top 
of a very [challenging](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/epa-puerto-rico-a-critical-cleanup-operation/)
political situation and a challenging financial situation.”

## Puerto Rico Going Aggressive

Indeed, Puerto Rico will be pursuing an aggressive renewable energy target from 
a fragile position.

It currently gets the bulk of its electricity from fossil fuels and its [power grid](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/epa-puerto-rico-a-critical-cleanup-operation/)
has suffered from years of poor maintenance and neglect. As an island, it’s isolated
from a larger power grid, so there are few backup options if energy infrastructure
fails.

#### Conclusion

Puerto Rico is making significant strides towards a greener future, as evidenced
by the Public Energy Policy Law signed by Governor Ricardo Rosselló. This ambitious
plan sets Puerto Rico on a path to 100% renewable energy by 2050, with important
milestones along the way:

 1. 40% renewable electricity by 2025
    2. Phasing out coal completely by 20283. 100%
    renewable energy by 2050

This transition places Puerto Rico among the leaders in renewable energy adoption,
joining over 90 other cities, counties, and states with similar 100% clean energy
targets. The rapid shift from just 2% renewables to 40% in five years presents a
significant challenge but also a tremendous opportunity for the renewable energy
industry in Puerto Rico.

#### Isolated from the USA

The island’s unique situation – its isolated power grid, history of poor infrastructure
maintenance, and vulnerability to natural disasters – makes this transition both
crucial and complex. However, it also positions Puerto Rico as a potential model
for rapid renewable energy adoption in challenging environments.

This bold move towards [sustainability](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/05/revised-brazilian-forest-code-good-for-environmental-criminals-bad-for-forests-common/)
versus the alternatives addresses Puerto Rico’s energy security. However, it also
environmental concerns. Then it further aligns them with broader climate initiatives.
Especially like the Green New Deal. As Puerto Rico embarks on this ambitious journey,
it has the potential to become a showcase. Essentially for how regions can quickly
and effectively transition. Most importantly to clean, [renewable energy sources](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/04/environmental-concerns-keep-global-attention-focused-on-renewable-energy-sources/).
Finally and even in the face of significant obstacles.