Clean energies, the “zero carbon” route in Galapagos

A matrix composed entirely of renewable energya transport free of fossil fuels, sustainable buildings and a rethinking of the relationship between water, energy and meal (WEF) are the foundations of the roadmap for the energy transition of the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) proposed by scientists and academics gathered in the Ecuadorian archipelago.

The summary of the roadmap, to which EFE had access, has four specific goals to pass a development model for the Galapagos free of carbon emissions and environmental pollution: energy security, sustainable development and just transition, innovation and construction of local capacities and protection of biodiversity.

The roadmap discussed in the meeting is based on these four pillars. “Summit for the Sustainable and Inclusive Decarbonization” of the Galapagos Islands”with proposed actions that were divided into immediate (with application to 2025), mediate (2030), and long-term (2050).

This meeting was held within the framework of the initiative “Galapagos Living Lab for Energy Innovation”a space for action created by the San Francisco de Quito University (USFQ), the University of Edinburgh (Scotland) and the Ecuadorian-British Chamber of Commerce.

Throughout three days of discussions and workshops, the roadmap talks were framed within the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the Government of Ecuador.

Also in the development plans of the Islands, such as the Galapagos 2030 Plan of the Galapagos Government Council and the Energy Transition Plan of the Galapagos Islands, issued by the Ministry of Energy and Mines of Ecuador.

Governance and social conscience

Among the common criteria, it was verified the need to address the process with public governance actions that guide the process, awareness-raising activities for local society and tourists, and education at all levels.

This proposed route, which will be made available to the authorities, contemplates the installation of renewable electric power plants, high energy efficiency equipment, energy accumulators and fast charging stations, among others.

Likewise, it proposes that transport become electric and collective, with bicycles and electric vehicles, and construction must consider the use of low-impact materials, ecological design and sustainable urban planning of cities.

Meanwhile, regarding the WEF relationship, it should be considered “the growing needs for water and food, and energy for the same needs”.

Another point included is the need for international cooperation to implement the best technological practices for the energy transition and its financing, with the aim of making the Galapagos the first natural heritage of humanity. “decarbonized”.

Fossil fuel based matrix

With some 33,000 inhabitants, the Galapagos Islands, the second largest marine reserve on the planet and one of the best preserved, received more than 267,000 tourists last year

Until now, the energy matrix of the Galapagos Islands is mainly made up of imported diesel and fuel from mainland Ecuador, mostly to supply vessels that carry out tourist activities and transport between islands, while wind and solar generation is still very minority.

Located about 1,000 kilometers west of the continental coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos are considered a natural laboratory, the same one that allowed the English scientist Charles Darwin, in the 19th century, to develop his theory on the natural selection of species.

This archipelago, made up of 13 large islands, 6 smaller ones and 107 islets and rocks, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 and is the second largest marine reserve on the planet, considered one of the best preserved globally. , as well as the main tourist attraction in Ecuador.

Source: EFE