BECC presents lessons learned at Eolic Energy Forum

The above was underscored by BECC’S General Manager, Maria Elena Giner at the Wind Energy Forum held in Ciudad Juárez on August 11-12, in her presentation featuring “Renewable Energies: Lessons Learned,” during which she announced that the binational organization has certified 4 wind energy related projects.

Certified projects include: a methane gas capture and power generation project at the Delicias, Chihuahua sanitary landfill; a project to produce biodiesel from waste vegetable oil in El Paso, Texas; and solar photovoltaic systems in California –one in San Diego and a second one in an Irrigation District.

Ms. Giner stated that the binational organization took on the challenge of using solar energy to meet part of its own electricity needs by installing two photovoltaic panels that produce 35 percent of the facility’s power demands. This action has allowed the BECC to save $108,000 pesos in power costs per year ($8,730 USD).

During her presentation the BECC official highlighted that, as in any emerging field, funding for case studies is limited and this is a challenge that must be overcome in the short term.

In connection with the above, Rafael Servando Portillo-Diaz, Secretary of Urban Development and Ecology for the State of Chihuahua, said the state government is interested in developing projects that include renewable energies such as solar and wind power. He said there is a town in the Tarahumara Sierra that uses solar energy to address their needs, but the potential to implement wind power in several projects is also being explored at this time.

"We are fortunate to live in a state where the sun shines most of the time, but we also want to implement the use of wind energy, which is very viable in many areas,” he said.

During an interview, Chihuahua’s Secretary of Communication and Public Works, Javier Garfias stated that gathering the input of the community and business leaders is essential to developing renewable energy projects.

"We had outstanding guest speakers, such as Maria Elena Giner, who presented issues to be considered and various challenges we face. The participation of the different universities was also a key component,” he said.

Furthermore, he said, another forum will be held in Chihuahua City on November 9-10, 2011, to explore renewable energies and particularly solar power.