Supporting sustainable Energy Solutions in Peru
At CoolPlanet, we are responsible, purpose-driven, and committed to doing things differently. When I embarked on my journey to Peru, I brought these values with me. In 2024, I volunteered with EcoSwell, an NGO dedicated to sustainable development, to support renewable energy projects in Lobitos. Over three weeks, I collaborated with local communities to enhance energy resilience in a region facing frequent blackouts and unreliable infrastructure.
Lobitos: A Town in Need of Sustainable Energy Solutions
Lobitos, once a booming oil town, now faces economic and infrastructural challenges. Though it has become a surfing destination, much of its local population remains underserved. Thirty percent live below the poverty line, and water scarcity is a major issue, with households often receiving mains water for only a few hours a day. On top of this, energy reliability is a persistent challenge, with frequent power outages disrupting daily life, businesses, and essential services.
EcoSwell was founded in 2013 to tackle these issues, implementing over 19 projects focused on clean water access, ecosystem restoration, and renewable energy. Their work has already impacted more than 40,000 people across Peru, and I was eager to contribute.
Building Renewable Energy Resilience in Peru
CoolPlanet believes in being first—taking real and tangible action to solve climate challenges. During my time in Lobitos, I worked on several critical renewable energy projects:
1. Installing a Solar-Powered UPS System for the Suyo Medical Centre
Suyo, a remote town near the Ecuadorian border, experiences extreme power instability. In December 2022, it went without electricity for nearly 80% of the month, placing essential medical services and vaccine storage at risk. To address this, EcoSwell secured funding for a 14.64 kW Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system, composed of solar panels, batteries, and inverters, to provide consistent power during outages.
My role involved verifying the UPS system design and ensuring proper reporting to sponsors. The installed system not only guarantees power reliability for life-saving medical procedures but also reduces the medical centre’s dependence on costly grid electricity.
2. Reviving the Fisherman’s Guild Solar System
The Fisherman’s Guild Centre in Lobitos, a hub for over 200 fishermen, once had a solar PV system installed by EcoSwell in 2016. However, due to lack of maintenance and interference from nesting pigeons, the system had become inoperable.
My team and I undertook extensive cleaning, installed pigeon-proofing measures, and identified wiring issues that future volunteers would need to address. By restoring the system, we helped provide sustainable energy for the fishermen, reducing costs and ensuring uninterrupted access to essential power.
3. Maintaining Residential and Medical Solar Power Systems
EcoSwell has installed solar panels and battery systems in homes and medical centres throughout Lobitos. However, locals were hesitant to clean or maintain them due to fear of causing damage. Myself and the team conducted cleaning and maintenance, restoring efficiency and teaching locals the importance of regular upkeep.
Beyond Energy: Community Involvement in Sustainability
My work extended beyond technical projects. Myself and the other volunteers participated in community events, including the Día de los Niños celebration in Negritos, which honored children with disabilities. We also took part in environmental initiatives like tree planting, compost bin installations, and repainting fishing boats.
Lessons from the Field: The True Value of Renewable Energy
Living and working in Lobitos reinforced my belief that we must be brave—courageous in our thinking and decisive in our actions. Access to water and electricity—often taken for granted in industrialised nations—was a daily struggle for local communities. Experiencing these limitations firsthand strengthened my commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
This experience also underscored the power of grassroots innovation. Renewable energy isn’t just about decarbonisation—it’s about resilience. Projects like these highlight the importance of decentralised, community-led solutions that can create lasting impact.
A Commitment to a Sustainable Future
I was struck by the warmth and generosity of the local Peruvian people. Every site visit and interaction was met with gratitude and kindness. Lobitos itself is an incredibly picturesque and scenic destination—one look at its stunning sunsets explains why it is becoming a booming tourist spot.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who made this experience possible. To the local communities who welcomed me with open arms and showed me their resilience and optimism, thank you. Your strength and willingness to embrace sustainability are truly inspiring. To the organizations and individuals who supported these projects, CoolPlanet and EcoSwell, your contributions have had a tangible impact—not just in infrastructure, but in building a more sustainable and self-reliant future for Lobitos.
This experience reinforced my belief that small, localized efforts can drive meaningful global change. Whether through funding, volunteering, or advocating for renewable solutions, every effort counts. Supporting these initiatives doesn’t just provide immediate benefits—it helps shape a cleaner, more resilient world for generations to come.
Want to get involved? Follow EcoSwell’s mission and see how you can help create a greener, more resilient world.
How CoolPlanet Can Help Your Business with Renewable Energy
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