Wind Turbines Helping To Save The Galápagos

Demand for electricity on San Cristóbal and the three other inhabited Galápagos islands is increasing due to population growth and thriving tourism.

The need for clean energy was highlighted as far back as January 2001, when an oil tanker spilled more than 150,000 gallons of diesel near San Cristóbal after striking a reef. Many of the islands irreplaceable plants, birds and marine life that had evolved there over time were threatened.

Ecuador, working with the Global Sustainable Electricity Partnership, made up of 11 of the world’s largest electricity companies, sped up its efforts to preserve its UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since then, three 157-foot wind turbines have replaced 2.3 million gallons of diesel fuel, while supplying about 30 percent of the energy consumed on the islands.

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