Developing geothermal power in Puerto Rico: Cost benefit analysis and barriers for development

Abstract

The dependency for fossil fuels keeps growing world wide besides the negative effects it has on the global economy and energy and resource use. Caribbean islands, such as Puerto Rico, are facing crucial energy challenges, and have a huge need for energy efficiency and renewables due to the reliance and high dependence on imported oil for power production. Geothermal energy is a clean and renewable energy source. It is abundant but only a very small fraction can be converted commercially into electricity currently. New emerging technologies such as Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) for power production can have huge benefits for future power production in Puerto Rico.