Assessing Pathway Options for Renewable Energy Systems to Support the Water-Energy-Food Nexus in Galapagos (WEF Nexus)

Team:
– Andrew Lyden (Energy System Economics, UoE)
– Wei Sun (Energy Systems Integration, UoE)
– Jaime López (Urbanism and Architecture, USFQ)
– Juan Sebastián Proaño (Biomass and Energy Efficiency, USFQ)
– Sheila Rosero (Urbanism, USFQ alumni)
– Alejandra Prieto (Architecture, USFQ student)
– Kevin Gutiérrez (Mechanical Engineering, USFQ alumni)

Abstract:
The project focuses on addressing unsustainable access to clean energy, water, and food in the Galapagos Islands, where much of the food is imported, water is polluted, and energy is subsidized and derived from fossil fuels. The objective is to model the impact of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, tidal, geothermal, and biomass, on the sustainable development of Santa Cruz Island. The project emphasizes optimizing renewable energy generation to improve water quality, food production, and energy systems.

Through data collection and interviews with local stakeholders (e.g., MAG, GAD Santa Cruz, Charles Darwin Foundation), the team has analyzed the energy-water-food nexus. Various renewable energy pathways have been modeled, focusing on small farms and meat production units in Santa Rosa and Cascajo. Pilot systems for off-grid renewable energy have been installed in collaboration with local partners. Future steps include expanding the project to other islands and exploring further funding opportunities.

Next Steps:
• Publish Data: Make WEF nexus-related data publicly available on Power BI and Excel platforms.
• Expand Pilot Systems: Install more off-grid renewable energy systems for small farms.
• Explore Funding: Apply for funding from Prima, Horizon, MAF, and GIZ.

Additional Fund Sources

Fund Source	Purpose
Kubienergy	300 W Solar PV system for Off-grid installation for small farms (x1)
Britcham	300 W Solar PV system for Off-grid installation for small farms (x2)
Latam	Shipping from Quito to San Cristóbal
USFQ Sustainability Office	300 W Solar PV system for Off-grid installation for small farms (x1). Installation of PV systems (x4).