In-Depth Notes on Energy Production and Puerto Rico's Energy Crisis

Overview of Energy Production

• Always relevant to daily life; think how electricity outages affect your daily activities.

Energy Crisis Overview

• Hurricane Maria (September 2017): devastated Puerto Rico as a Category 4 storm.
  • Resulted in: 64 confirmed deaths (later estimated at 3000), massive economic losses exceeding $94 billion, significant damage to the electrical grid.

Impacts of Power Outages

• Effects of energy shortages included:
  • Heating and Cooling: Many were unable to maintain necessary living conditions.
  • Health: Contributed to thousands of preventable deaths.
  • Migration: 14% of the population left the island.
  • Food Production: Disrupted due to lack of electricity.

Vulnerability of Puerto Rico's Power Grid

• The grid's structure made it susceptible to hurricanes.
• Poor recovery rates after Irma and Maria as compared to areas like Florida.

Electricity Generation and the Grid

• Components:
  • Power Plant: Generates electricity.
  • Transmission Lines: Carry electricity long distances.
  • Distribution Lines: Deliver electricity to homes.
• Voltage transformation occurs via transformers to step up/down voltage before reaching consumers.

The AC-DC Battle

• Historical conflict between Thomas Edison (Direct Current - DC) and Nikola Tesla (Alternating Current - AC).
  • DC required proximity to power sources (within 2km), limiting its effectiveness.

Key Factors in Energy Flow

• Energy flow is measured through:
  • Voltage: Pressure of energy.
  • Amps: Size of wires.
  • Watts: Total energy amount.

Electricity Production Methods

• Electricity is generated by creating a flow of electrons through wires, typically by having energy sources (like wind or water) spin turbines that turn generators.
• Electricity can be produced hundreds of miles away from its end use, leading to environmental concerns far from consumption areas.

Puerto Rico's Energy Sources Evolution

• 200 years ago: Energy sources were local (wood, peat, dung).
• Present day:
  • Significant reliance on imported fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas).
  • Monthly electricity generation fluctuates based on energy source.

Economic Challenges

• Electricity prices in Puerto Rico are among the highest in the USA due to reliance on imported fuels and infrastructure costs.
• Puerto Rico has the highest debt per capita among U.S. states, limiting investments in the energy sector.

Governance and Energy Management

• Puerto Rico's energy decisions heavily influenced by U.S. governance.
  • Local firms receive only 10% of recovery contracts which complicates energy recovery efforts.
  • Centralized grid systems hinder localized, resilient energy management.

Energy Policy Changes

• Puerto Rico Energy Public Policy Act of 2019:
  • Mandates transitioning to 100% renewable energy by 2050.
  • Phasing out coal by 2028, promoting microgrids for enhanced resiliency.

Fossil Fuels - Definitions & Formation

• Fossil Fuels: Natural deposits consisting of remnants of prehistoric organisms.
  • Major types include coal, oil (petroleum), natural gas; they are considered non-renewable.

Oil and Natural Gas Overview

• Oil and natural gas have become primary energy sources, constituting a significant portion of the energy mix (about 65% of U.S. energy).
• Global oil and gas reserves are unevenly distributed, with significant concentrations in the Middle East and Russia.

Environmental Considerations

• Oil and natural gas production emit greenhouse gases and disrupt habitats.
• Issues faced with spills and accidents (e.g., BP Oil Spill, Alaskan Oil Spill).

Energy Efficiency vs. Energy Conservation

• Energy Efficiency: proportion of energy converted to useful work (e.g., natural gas for cooking ~100% efficiency, LEDs at ~45%).
• Energy Conservation: behavioral changes to reduce energy use (e.g., using public transport, reducing thermostat settings).

Global Energy Disparity

• Over 60% of world energy utilized by <20% of the population, highlighting inequality in energy consumption.
• Calls for awareness around energy justice and equity as these issues relate to environmental justice as well.