Carmelo Ruiz: Controversial energy projects in Puerto Rico

Cleaner Energy Sources Prove Divisive

By Carmelo Ruiz-Marrero

The gas pipeline would cross the central mountain range and the ecologically delicate karstic zone. Credit:d3b/CC BY 2.0

SAN JUAN, Jan 24, 2012 (IPS) - As Puerto Rico seeks to lower soaring utility rates while simultaneously shifting toward cleaner energy sources, it faces grassroots opposition to two major projects even though at least one is 100-percent renewable.

Objections to the projects – a natural gas pipeline and wind installation – revolve mostly around their locations, underlining the complex interests involved in actually implementing changes to the island's power grid.