Auckland, New Zealand Jan. 13, 2010 – World Energy Research (WER) of New Zealand has secured a renowned German company to build hydroelectric turbines in Guatemala.
By 2020 the world energy demand will have risen by 50%. Knowing that only 22% of the world’s prospective hydropower is being utilized, WER unites with Wasserkraft Volk AG and Energía Total to catalyze and conserve this potential.
Wasserkraft Volk AG (WKV) of Gutach, Germany has been commissioned to build three of 13 slated hydroelectric sites in Guatemala. They are expected to be completed by this year. WKV is a leading global manufacturer and patent holder of small and medium sized hydropower plants. They run 5 custom turbine technologies in over 30 countries worldwide.
In a related development, agreements have also been signed with Energía Total. The Guatemalan energy company will purchase 100% of the power generated by the three WKV-built turbines.
World Energy Research is in charge of funding and managing the project.
Cooperative global ventures like this one will help move Guatemala away from its historic dependence on imported energy. Traditionally, Guatemala has fueled its power stations with expensive foreign oil.
After this phase is complete, World Energy Research has plans for ten more hydroelectric sites in Guatemala. It’s also exploring Guatemala’s solar, wind, biomass and geothermal energy potential.
- written by World Energy Media editorial division