Renewable Energy Alternatives for Water Delivery Systems Mark Lambrides Coordinator: Renewable Energy in the Americas (REIA)

Renewable Energy in the Americas (REIA) b REIA launched by US Export Council for Renewable Energy and LAC Countries in 1994 to promote use of RE and Energy Efficiency in LAC b 20 countries signed REIA Declaration, formed Working Group, hired Technical Sec. Director (Christina Figueres ‘95-’96; Luis Lauredo ‘96-’97; Mark Lambrides ‘98-Present) b OAS - USDE assumes role of REIA Technical Secretariat in 1999 b Key sponsors: USAID and OAS

Key Technical Assistance Services Offered by REIA b Energy policy and regulatory analysis and reform - Emphasizing balance between conventional fuels and clean energy technologies b Enabling linkages between the public and private sector - Facilitate technology transfer and assist in project identification b Information dissemination and capacity building b Preparation and management of GEF-assisted projects - Involving climate friendly grid-tied and rural electrification technologies

Energy - Water Considerations b Water Supply: Potable water (pumping, purification, delivery)Potable water (pumping, purification, delivery) Irrigation (large-scale, drip, garden...)Irrigation (large-scale, drip, garden...) Post disaster/backup water supplyPost disaster/backup water supply Solar water heatingSolar water heating b Energy Generation: Watershed management (i.e. effects of firewood gathering) Hydropower dam (social, environmental, economic impacts)

Water Supply Considerations b Energy is a key component in the water delivery and treatment chain b In LAC, most communities with central power systems also have water supply systems Key Issue: Most efficient/environmentally sound means of power generation and water treatmentKey Issue: Most efficient/environmentally sound means of power generation and water treatment b Many rural communities lack adequate water and electricity Key Issue: Sustainable options for water pumping/treatment in remote areasKey Issue: Sustainable options for water pumping/treatment in remote areas

Urban/Large-Scale Energy and Water Systems b Hydropower has traditionally been the most common means of electricity generation in Latin America b Technology and policy changes are causing increased use of natural gas and oil b Renewable energy alternatives are significant throughout the region, especially biomass, wind, geothermal and small hydro (and hydro retrofits)

Key Barriers to Grid-Tied Renewables b Policies and regulations: favor low capital costs and low short run marginal costs b Environmental impacts not a cost factor b Falling price of natural gas technologies and access to natural gas reserves b Infrastructure well established for conventional technologies

Rural Energy/Water: Alternatives for Water Pumping/Treatment b Solar PV (or wind electric) + “Solar” Pumps Components: solar panel + pump + controls (opt.) + battery (opt.) + storage/distribution (opt.)Components: solar panel + pump + controls (opt.) + battery (opt.) + storage/distribution (opt.) Compare with hand pumps, mechanical windmills, and diesel or gas powered pumpsCompare with hand pumps, mechanical windmills, and diesel or gas powered pumps See WorldWater Corp.See WorldWater Corp.

Design System to Serve Application Typical Daily Water Usage (Source: Water Pumping - The Solar Alternative, Sandia National Laboratories)

Comparing Alternatives

Post-Disaster Applications b Water pumping/treatment in a post-disaster scenario Central power systems often unreliableCentral power systems often unreliable PV often used with diesel back upPV often used with diesel back up UV Waterworks offers PV pumping/treatment solutionUV Waterworks offers PV pumping/treatment solution Excellent information available from FSEC information available from FSEC The same power system also used for lighting, communications, etc.The same power system also used for lighting, communications, etc.

What Can the International Donor Community Do to Promote Sustainable Water/Energy Applications? b Encourage policy reform b Promote clean technologies b Capacity building b Identify projects b Fund sustainable projects (with GEF, PCF...)