Joyabaj, gatemala

Community

Joyabaj is a municipality of ~50,000 people within the Quiche Department of Guatemala. Many people in the community live without access to affordable electricity for lighting, refrigeration, computers, or cell phones.

What’s the issue

Up until 1993 a community-run 75kW hydroelectric generating facility provided affordable electricity to the municipality, allowing access to electricity for some of the communities poorest members. When the national grid arrived, the community did not have the expertise to synchronize their generator to the grid, and the facility was abandoned. With rising electricity prices, the community engaged EWB to help recommission the facility to allow continued electrification of areas without access or financial means to pay for expensive electricity from the national grid.

What have we done so far

In 2016 a team of experts traveled to Joyabaj for a detailed assessment trip. Their report concluded a rehabilitation was possible, and economically viable. The Wisconsin Professional Chapter implemented the required civil/structural repairs in partnerships with the EWB-Guatemala office and the municipality. The EWB-Chicagoland Professionals designed and procured the electrical systems of the facility, and plan to implement and commission in December of 2019.

How can you get involved

The Project team is looking for help in fundraising. The implementation travel team is already finalized, but future trips may be required with further design opportunities (generation, electrical, HV experience preferred). O&M procedure writing will be required after the December 2019 trip.

Contact information:

For more information on volunteering opportunities, contact Brian Connaghan.