The aftermath of Hurricane Maria provides the ideal opportunity to rebuild the electric grid totally with solar, wind, and battery-storage micro-grids, so that communities can operate independently. 90% of the electric grid has been destroyed by the hurricane.
Puerto Rico's governor has announced a goal of rebuilding with 20% renewable energy, and this is a ridiculously low goal. 70% of the island's power came from fuel-oil generators before the hurricane, costing over $100million/year for importing the fuel oil alone.
Puerto Rico cannot afford NOT to rebuild with renewable energy. Solar, wind, and battery technology is available and deployable today, and it's cost-effective in Puerto Rico, where they've been paying $0.30/kWh for electricity for years.
Why is this important?
Climate Change is hurting everyone - and people in Puerto Rico are suffering the worst. Let's not make the grave error of rebuilding their power grid with dangerous fossil fuels.
