To increase the energy resilience of Adjuntas after Hurricane Maria, different scenarios of solar grid expansion were modeled, along with the addition of biogasifiers. The optimal configuration of a microgrid that can supply electricity for the new commercial load was identified in addition with the lowest cost.

To achieve our goal, we developed a commercialized electricity load of Adjuntas, expanded the potential solar generation, developed a distributed generation scenario in the Adjuntas business district, characterized biomass and gas resources, estimated potential electricity production from a gasifier/generator system, and used HOMER Modeling for optimized microgrid scenarios using estimates and assumptions, to determine feasibility and cost of grid expansion.

The expanded grid was optimal with the addition of one more full-sized generator, and the electricity cost around 8 cents/kWh.