Santa Cruz, Galapagos Electricity sector towards a zero fossil fuel island

Abstract

Abstract–The Galapagos Islands is one of the world’s pristine archipelago. It has been inscribed as an UNESCO World Natural Heritage since 1978 (Estrella et al. 2011). This archipelago is also well known because Charles Darwin studied the origin of species in these islands. However, it is in great threat due to the main energy source is diesel. Hence, the Ecuadorian government has an initiative call ‘Zero fossil fuel in the Galapagos Islands’ which aims to reduce diesel consumption by replacing it for renewable energy. In this context this research will show the electricity sector market mix particularly of Santa Cruz island, in order to indicate how much is done and needs to be done to become an island fossil fuel free in electricity generation.