Galapagos is a pioneer in alternative energy
The Galapagos Islands have always posed a dilemma to ecologists and environmentalists who want to safeguard them while also acknowledging the requirement for locals to survive there.
Two Islands in Galapagos, specifically Floreana and San Cristóbal, are actively seeking alternative, sustainable energy sources and supplies. The dream of such current energy environmentalists must also lead the way for long-term energy generation in Galapagos.
Floreana Islands “Piñon Oil”
Floreana authorities previously dedicated two pion oil-powered electricity generators. The pion nuts have been developed on the Ecuadorian mainland in the province of Manabi, as well as the thick oil that has become an adequate replacement for diesel fuel. This new initiative is a part of the current “Zero Fossil Fuels in the Galapagos” campaign, which seeks for the islands’ total freedom from fossil fuels.
The Ecuador federal government and other authorities such as the government of Germany have supported this initiative. Peter Linder, the Ambassador of Germany in Ecuador, was on que when the new energy generators were inaugurated.
Floreana is the first island to be entirely reliant on pion oil for its entire energy requirements. Floreana executives highlighted the advantages of the new process, including the fact that electricity prices will continue to stay the same.
Moreover, the island will now have power 24 hours a day, rather than just 12 as today, without any problems. They are trying to expand this energy initiative to Puerto Villamil on the Isabela Island
San Cristobal “Solar Power”
In this Island, authorities have intended to build a large solar power plant capable of producing one mw of power. The program will be made to eliminate the total use of fossil fuels in the Galapagos Islands. The plant is expected to cost $6 million, which will be covered by the corporation Gigawatt Global.
The plant will require at least two hectares of land, and the town has identified an old dump as the location, trying to rebuild an area previously believed to be commercially unusable.
San Cristóbal already has wind generators on nearby hillsides that generate a significant quantity of electricity by utilizing the energy generated by the wind. Make sure to visit both Floreana and San Cristobal hotels, that way you’ll find more information on their energy plans!
