Switching from Fossil Fuels to Biofuels on the Galapagos Islands
This project promoted the replacement of fossil fuels with biofuels for power generation on the Galapagos Islands. The oil from the physic nut, or Jatropha curcas, which is native to Ecuador and is planted as hedging in coastal provinces, was used as a biofuel. Supporting the cultivation of the physic nut (by smallholders) and the use of vegetable oil in energy generation helped to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and emissions of CO2. The project also provided advisory services and research support in promoting the use and cultivation of the physic nut as well as its conversion to oil. Furthermore, generators were retrofitted to run on vegetable oil and further training measures for local actors were carried out. The project made an effective contribution to implementing the ECU Government’s initiative ‘Zero Fossil Fuels on the Galapagos Islands’.
- Countries
- Ecuador
- IKI funding
- 1,491,140.00 €
- Duration
- 10/2008 till 12/2011
- Status
- completed
- Implementing organisation
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (als Zuwendungsempfänger)
- Political Partner
-
- Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy - Ecuador
State of implementation/results
- Project completed.
- Further training measures for jatropha nut producers on cultivation and increasing productivity.
- Jatropha seedlings planted in several communities.
- Jatropha yields increased from 30 tonnes in 2009 to 186 tonnes in 2011.
- Advisory services/training courses, research support and investments in retrofitting generators to use plant-based oils.
- Study on transporting plant oils prepared.
- Procurement of a mobile crane; construction of a fuel depot and mobile pressing system.
- Incomes of Jatropha smallholders increased.
Latest Update:
03/2025
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