Galapagos Solar Project
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Each year, approximately 5.7 million gallons of fuel are transported to the Galápagos Islands to generate electricity and to power
vehicles and boats. In the past, the transportation of fuel has resulted in oil spills which damage the sensitive Galápagos
ecosystem. Moreover, the generation of electricity produces both air and noise pollution. The Galápagos National Park has recognized
the problems that accompany the generation of electricity with fossil fuels and are attempting to reduce the demand for oil on the islands.
In order to assist in this goal, the EnerGreen Foundation and Fundacion Natura, the largest environmental NGO in Ecuador, formed a long
term partnership in 2003 and, in conjunction with other parties, launched the Galápagos Solar Project. The primary objective of this
project was to install a solar grid-tie system and renewable energy education station at the Galápagos National Park's Galapagueras
(turtle laboratory and visitor sites). In 2003, solar panels were installed on Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands.
In February of 2004, Green Empowerment became involved with this project, and the next phase of the Galapagos Solar Project began on San
Cristobal Island. As with the other two islands, at each Galapaguera, five solar panels were tied into the grid. When there is a need for
power in the laboratory, the electricity produced from the panels will go there directly. When less electricity is required, the excess
goes into the grid, thereby reducing the demand for power from the town's generating facility.
The overall goal of the project is to help preserve the Galapagos Islands by promoting and exemplifying the use of alternative forms of
energy while at the same time educating the inhabitants and tourists on the benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy use.
