Displacing diesel

San Cristobal Wind Project

Built on a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) site and complementing the United Nations Development Program’s (UNDP) renewable energy program for the Galapagos Islands, the San Cristobal Wind Project supplies an average of 40% of the Islands’ electricity needs.

When diesel generators—the Islands’ original source of power generation—had incurred oil spills and contaminated portions of the shore line, the UN set a goal to maintain the pristine nature of the island. Electrical generation using wind power is how we contributed to that goal. This renewable project was co-sponsored by the e-8 group of countries—10 power companies from around the world that promote sustainable energy development by working with local power authorities, governments, and communities to build electricity generating and transmission projects.

As the first large-scale wind project in the Galapagos Islands, which are home to irreplaceable flora and fauna, it was imperative that environmental responsibility guide the process. As the Project Director, we oversaw subcontractor and vendor administration, UN coordination, construction, and testing. We ensured that the planning and installation of the three 800kW wind turbines and 12kW solar photovoltaic hybrid electrical system was done efficiently and with negligible environmental impact.