Where the Winds Meet – Small Wind Turbines in Última Esperanza, Chile

One of our SEPS exchange activities aimed to create a local knowledge group for the self-construction of small-scale wind turbines in the south of Chile, through an international exchange of knowledge with Argentinian members of the Wind Empowerment network.

The activities were carried out in Puerto Natales, in the region of Magallanes in southern Chile, and seeked to build, strengthen and disseminate the local competences that are necessary to:

  • Construct, maintain and repair small wind turbines
  • Install small wind turbines for off-grid rural electrification
  • Measure small wind turbine performances and local wind resources

During a workshop in June 2017, the participants were guided through the construction of a 350W small wind turbine (1.8 m diameter), based on the widely adopted Piggott open-source design. The turbine is installed in Estancia La Fernanda, a family farm around 13 km from Puerto Natales.

The farm has difficult access to electricity in the winter, when it mostly depends on a diesel generator. The family participated in the workshop, and is now responsible for the correct operation and maintenance of the system.

A detailed summary of the activities will soon be published on our SEPS project page: “Where the Winds Meet” – Local Construction of Small Wind Turbines in Última Esperanza, Chile.

More information is available on Wind Empowerment’s blog.

YouTube

By loading the video, you agree to YouTube’s privacy policy.
Learn more

Load video

You might also be interested in

Clean Cooking Saves Lives: New Model for Nigeria Shows Transition Pathways

Four out of five people in Africa use wood for cooking: a transition to clean fuels would cut emissions and save lives, a model for Nigeria shows. María Yetano Roche and Temilade Sesan share insights from their recent publication.

Training Teachers for Climate Action: Second Round Completed

A second round of climate change training brought together technical school teachers from Chubut, Neuquén, and Mendoza. The sessions covered climate impacts, social consequences, carbon footprints, and climate justice, equipping teachers to inspire climate-conscious youth.