Electrical Generation Using Wind For Community Development In Ecuador

Abstract

This project introduces an alternative for a marginalized community in the north of Ecuador to face its economic problems. The district of Mira has suffered a prorogued drought for years. Thus, agriculture, the region’s main economic activity, has decreased significantly. Unemployment, poverty and migration are consequences. Based on the availability of wind resource in the region and the applicable legal framework, this project assesses the technical and economical feasibility of generating electricity at large scale for the Ecuadorian wholesale market. A community based cooperative could share the revenues with an interested investor. The cooperative could either use directly generated electricity for pumping, or use the economic gains to invest in an irrigation program. Additionally, the project analyses the convenience of different funding options and participation schemes for implementation, including CDMs and public-private partnerships. It was found that a 14.4 MW wind farm is feasible under the mentioned premises.