Tuesday, July 19, 2016

El Salvador: The Berlin Geothermal Power Plant Helps Local Women's Workforce

Harvesting Geothermal Energy (Momentum for Change)

Harvesting Geothermal Energy from Momentum for Change on Vimeo.

Traditional agricultural practices have low production rates in rural areas of El Salvador. As a result, female farmers’ incomes are very low. In addition, the traditional agricultural practices in El Salvador’s rural areas are carbon intensive. Wood and other fossil fuels are typically burnt to dehydrate fruit and pump water, which releases greenhouse gas emissions and causes climate change.

Women from rural communities in El Salvador are increasing their incomes and tackling climate change through a unique project called Harvesting Geothermal Energy that uses waste heat and steam condensates from nearby geothermal plants. Women living in communities near the geothermal plants use waste heat from the geothermal steam to dehydrate fruit for themselves and for commercial sale. They also grow and sell plants watered with geothermal condensates. Four women are permanently employed as rangers in a wildlife protection park, which has been established in the geothermal field. Through this project, women are able to run a productive business while earning a sustainable income.

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