Puerto Rico’s Electric Power Authority and their issues
Puerto Rico and it’s future with solar power
How electric car batteries can help solve the energy issue in Puerto Rico
Conclusion
Puerto Rico’s Electric Power Authority and their issues
Puerto Rico’s Electric Power Authority has had a history of issues and is generally not well liked. One of the biggest problems has been that over the years there have been several island-wide power outages. There are various reasons for these outages, but the worst part has been the seemingly slow recovery each time by the power authority.
After hurricane Maria, full power restoration took months. Then, after power was essentially restored to everyone, an accident during the repairs cost the island another 36 consecutive hours of power.
Since then many of its board members have resigned. The company is also in a massive amount of debt which they are currently weighing options to get out from under.
The people of Puerto Rico have long been trying to find an alternative to this company and they may finally have one. Solar power.
Puerto Rico and it’s future with solar power
Since Hurricane Maria decimated Puerto Rico’s power grid, the country has been looking for an alternative to the Power Authority. Eventually, many people in Puerto Rico realized that solar power and other renewable energy sources could power much of the island of Puerto Rico.
In fact, a new law stipulates that Puerto Rico will be getting half of all of its power from renewable sources by 2035. The law also says that Puerto Rico’s energy will be completely from renewable sources by 2050.
This plan will cost Puerto Rico over $400 million dollars to complete, but it seems as though both government and citizens are committed to seeing this plan through.
How electric car batteries can help solve the energy issue in Puerto Rico
Once an electric car battery has had its run in a car, they can be used to help facilitate solar energy collection. This is exactly what a company called Rivan is doing with its used electric vehicle batteries.
In fact, these batteries are even designed with this “second-life use” in mind. At first, these batteries will be used to aid solar energy initiatives in just a few towns in Puerto Rico in what is known as “microgrids.” If all goes well, the use of these batteries will then expand to a larger portion of the Puerto Rican power grid.
The only concerns are over safety but those are unfounded as people are just being cautious in considering every possible outcome.
Conclusion
Right now, the situation in Puerto Rico regarding energy and power is not very good at all. However, the future is bright. Puerto Rico has undertaken several renewable energy initiatives, so this will help force the country improve its power situation in the future. Part of this future could very well be aided by the use of used electric vehicle batteries in solar power grids.
