Análisis de viabilidad de un sistema eólico-solar fotovoltaico en las Islas Galápagos, Ecuador

Abstract

This work presents a technical and economic feasibility study of a wind-solar electricity generation system on San Cristóbal Island, located in the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador, with the aim of increasing the share of renewable energy sources and reducing the dependence on fossil fuels in the island’s electricity system, where more than 85% of the electricity generated comes from diesel-fired thermal power plants supplied with fuel imported from mainland, resulting in high greenhouse gas emissions and significant risks to biodiversity conservation. To this end, an analysis was carried out of the island’s energy situation, the applicable regulatory and environmental framework, the characterization of wind and solar resources, the selection of the locations considering the territorial and environmental constrains of the area, and the technical and economic design of the proposed facilities. The results show that the island has favorable conditions for the utilization of wind and solar resources, with an average wind speed of 8,68 m/s at height of 90 meters in the highest areas of the island and an annual solar irradiation of 2.110,82 kWh/m2. Based on these data, the wind power plant was sized with two wind turbines od 2 MW each one, and the photovoltaic pant with a capacity of 2,4 MW, they reach an installed capacity of 6,4 MW and an estimated annual electricity production of 23.798 MWh. Through the economic analysis of the proposed system, an investment of 10,88 million USD and, under the conditions considered over a 25-year period, the project proves to be viable, obtaining a positive Net Present Value of 1,76 million USD, an internal Rate of Return of 14% and a payback period of 7 years. The sensitivity analysis revealed a strong dependence of project’s profitability on variations in the electricity selling price. In conclusion, the proposed wind-solar generation system represents a technically and economically viable and environmentally compatible alternative for San Cristóbal Island, contributing to the energy transition and the decarbonization of the Galápagos Islands, as well as to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 13 of the 2030 Agenda