February 2, 2024
Peru is considered to have a high potential for wind and solar energy, and investment is growing in the renewable energy sector. However, many Andean communities still lack connection to the electric grid due to their remote location, difficult geography and because they represent a small market. This lack of reliable supply of electric energy hinders the economic development of these communities and precludes them from achieving their full potential and contribution to the regional economy. Without access to reliable electric power, these communities must rely on fossil fuels, such as kerosene, for cooking and heating.
One of the four Nexus Phase 3 projects, “Renewable Energy Center for High Andean Communities (CERCA)”, recognizes these challenges and needs in Arequipa and aims to address them through the creation of a center, co-located with the CIBCI station (Centro Internacional de Bio-Ciencia e Innovación-CIBCI), dedicated to research and education in renewable energy. The main objectives of this project are to:
Lori Hoagland
Professor, Purdue University
Horticulture And Landscape Architecture
Nexus Institute Co-Director
E-mail: c4e-nexus@purdue.edu
Walter Daniel Leon-Salas
Associate Professor, Purdue University
Purdue Polytechnic Institute
Nexus Institute Co-Director
E-mail: c4e-nexus@purdue.edu
Dennis Macedo
Associate Professor, UNSA
Agronomy
Nexus Institute Co-Director
E-mail: dmacedov@unsa.edu.pe