Four possible methods of power generation: Fossil Fuel, Wind, Solar and Hydroelectric on the Rio Aguarico.

Bethany Hoye & Andrew Glover

June 2006

Fossil Fuel

Fossil fuel-dependant power generation provides a relatively high energy output, and thus has the capability to provide for high energy consumption. It is also available on demand, and does not rely on external environmental conditions for generation. However, there are significant costs associated with this.

Aside from the purchase of a ready-made generator, fuel must be purchased externally, and therefore, the costs associated with this type of power generation are ongoing. Investing in it binds the community to continual purchasing of fuel which is only viable with an abundant supply of inexpensive petroleum based fuels. These fuels are currently purchased from nearby petroleum sources, but these sources are currently estimated to only last another 15 to 25 years. Given current world peak oil projections, the costs of fuels are certain to increase beyond the economic capability of these communities.

There are also considerable environmental impacts inherent in the extraction and burning of fossil fuels for power generation, including carbon emissions, atmospheric particulates and river contamination. All river based communities cited river contamination as a source of illness and reduced productivity (less fish). It is therefore by no means a ´clean´ source of energy.

Fossil fuel dependant energy production should not be considered as a sustainable approach for any of these communities, due to the ongoing and increasing costs associated with the purchasing of fuel, as well as the harmful environmental effects that it necessarily involves.

Wind

Several communities (including Amada Encarnacion) have installed wind power, primarily in the form of a windmill powering a groundwater pump. Whilst this is a clean source of energy, it has proved to be highly unreliable. Winds are inconsistent in the area, and the surrounding high forest canopy prevents wind from turning the sails of the windmill, making this a relatively unviable source.

Solar

As solar energy is freely available, this type power generation requires no ongoing costs. Solar energy is also perpetually abundant in the Ecuadorian Amazon, as day-length is consistent throughout the year, and solar cells continue to generate under cloud. Once the set up costs are covered, its use is free. Solar also involves very little environmental impact, as there is no burning and concomitant contamination.

The use of solar energy reflects, in our view, a more sustainable approach than either wind or fossil fuel generation, as well as providing increased economic and environmental benefits now, and well into the future.

Hydro

This type of power generation was not observed in any of the communities, despite all but the two inland communities have the available geographical characteristics to employ hydroelectric means. Alongside these communities, the Rio Aguarico is fast flowing (at least 1m/sec), with little vertical fall. This discounts the use of traditional methods of hydroelectric power generation, which require falling water travelling at relatively high speed. However, alternative methods may be employed.

Hydroelectric power generation on horizontal rivers is possible through the turning of a propeller suspended underwater by a floating pontoon. The propeller turns a turbine in much the same way as a fossil fuel generator does, except that the energy input is free and abundant. The fast flowing characteristics of the river, as well as the large volume of water, make it viable as primary energy source for many of these communities.

A more detailed description of this type of device, as well as its potential generating capabilities can be found at:

http://www.sustainable.energy.sa.gov.au/pages/advisory/renewables/types/water/water.htm:sectID=21&tempID=52

Initial set up costs are likely to be relatively high if bought as a complete package, but some of these may be alleviated with community based labour and construction. In any case, these costs should not exceed the initial cost of the communal petroleum generator at Centro Union ($35000 value), let alone the ongoing fuel cost of 3gal/hr.

Amada Encarnacion also has the capacity for traditional style hydro power, with significant flow and vertical fall at the first creek crossing on the way to the tree house. We believe that any of the hydro or solar alternatives should be thoroughly investigated before committing to the ongoing costs, and environmental pollution of the Centro Union generator grid.