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Charting the energy future of the Galapagos: Smart planning for a fossil-free archipelago by 2040 and full decarbonization by 2050

Author

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  • Icaza-Alvarez, Daniel
  • González-Ladrón-de-Guevara, Fernando
  • Borge-Diez, David

Abstract

This research presents the planning for the long-term energy transition of the Galapagos Islands. According to Ecuador's strategic plans, it is necessary to free itself from fossil fuels by 2040, while by 2050, it is required to achieve complete decarbonization. The archipelago is a beautiful ecological attraction, considered a living laboratory and of great interest to researchers from various parts of the world. The applied methodology evaluates the starting scenario with data on installed capacity and energy production, then with the support of the energyPLAN simulation model determine the transition process to achieve a 100% renewable system for the Galapagos Islands. The results prove that by 2040, it is possible to supply the archipelago with a complete renewable energy mix of 43.22% solar photovoltaic, 34.22% wind, and 22.56% other diverse technologies. For 2050, 45.66% solar photovoltaic, 36.22% wind, and 18.1% other diverse technologies should be included to achieve the objectives. The full decarbonization effort, which also includes other technologies such as biofuels, geothermal energy, and wave energy, amounts to $92 million. The methodology and the results can be applied to similar case studies and scenarios worldwide and establish a reference frame for this analysis.

Suggested Citation

  • Icaza-Alvarez, Daniel & González-Ladrón-de-Guevara, Fernando & Borge-Diez, David, 2026. "Charting the energy future of the Galapagos: Smart planning for a fossil-free archipelago by 2040 and full decarbonization by 2050," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 262(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:262:y:2026:i:c:s0960148126001953
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2026.125370
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