idee_galapagos_2020-890b30cc0dd3bba3.pdf

This report outlines a strategic plan for the sustainable energy transition of the Galápagos Islands from 2020 to 2040, aiming for 'Zero Fossil Fuels'. It analyzes demand and supply scenarios across four sectors: residential, commercial/public, land transport, and maritime transport. The study proposes various technological substitutions—such as induction stoves, solar water heaters, electric vehicles, and renewable energy generation (solar, wind, geothermal, and CSP)—to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on imported fuels. It evaluates the cost-benefit of these measures and the impact of existing energy subsidies on the transition's viability.

• The residential sector's energy demand is split nearly equally between electricity and LPG, with food cooking being the primary use of LPG, accounting for nearly 50% of household demand. The report proposes replacing LPG stoves with induction stoves, which are over 40% more energy efficient.
• In the commercial and public sector, electricity represents over 85% of consumption. Proposed decarbonization measures include replacing LPG boilers and low-efficiency electric water heaters with solar collectors and introducing induction stoves and electric ovens.
• Land transport is the second largest consumer of fuels in the islands. The report suggests a transition to a Integrated Public Transport System (SITP) using electric buses, increasing vehicle occupancy, and promoting non-motorized micro-mobility to reduce reliance on internal combustion engine vehicles.
• The maritime sector is the highest energy consumer in the archipelago. Decarbonization strategies include 'slow steaming' (reducing vessel speed), installing sails, improving main engine efficiency, using solar panels for auxiliary engines, and transitioning to LNG or marine biofuels.
• The report models three energy supply scenarios for electricity generation to reach 100% renewable energy by 2040 (Low), 2035 (Medium), and 2030 (High). Technologies considered include solar photovoltaic, wind, Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), and geothermal energy, supported by battery storage.
• A specific analysis of a 10 MW geothermal plant on Isabela Island with a submarine interconnection to Santa Cruz found the project to be partially oversized for projected demand, leading to significant energy curtailment and an incremental present value cost of 26 MUSD.
• The Ecuadorian state spends approximately 14 MUSD annually on energy subsidies for the Galápagos province, with 10.8 MUSD for fossil fuels and the remainder for electricity. These subsidies create distortions that reduce the incentive for users to adopt energy efficiency measures.
• Per capita emissions in the islands are more than double those of the mainland, at 6 t CO2 equivalent compared to 2.5 t CO2 equivalent, largely due to the tourism industry. Under the 'High' policy scenario, per capita emissions could drop to 0.25 t CO2 equivalent by 2040.
• Most technological substitution measures (e.g., appliances, vehicles) are cost-effective due to reduced fuel imports. However, structural infrastructure improvements for sustainable buildings are not cost-effective from a purely energetic standpoint due to high implementation costs relative to energy savings.
• To finance the incremental costs of the 'Medium' transition scenario, the report proposes an 'Eco Tax' of approximately 10 USD per person-day for tourists.

APA

Stockholm Environment Institute (n.d.). idee_galapagos_2020-890b30cc0dd3bba3.pdf. https://cdn.leap.sei.org/documents/IDEE_Galapagos_2020.pdf

Chicago

Stockholm Environment Institute. idee_galapagos_2020-890b30cc0dd3bba3.pdf. n.d. https://cdn.leap.sei.org/documents/IDEE_Galapagos_2020.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Stockholm Environment Institute |title=idee_galapagos_2020-890b30cc0dd3bba3.pdf |url=https://cdn.leap.sei.org/documents/IDEE_Galapagos_2020.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{stockholmenvironmentinstitutendideegalapagos2020890b30cc0dd3bba3pdf, author = {{Stockholm Environment Institute}}, title = {{idee\_galapagos\_2020-890b30cc0dd3bba3.pdf}}, institution = {Stockholm Environment Institute}, url = {https://cdn.leap.sei.org/documents/IDEE_Galapagos_2020.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }