ENERGETICA

Volunteer/ Internship requirements:

• Beginner Spanish
• Interest in energy development and environmental conservation
• Willingness to work in rural locations
• One month minimum commitment period

Background:
Energetica is an energy development institute based in Cochabamba. The organization was founded in 1993 to promote the greater and more rational use of energy in Bolivia. Since 1993, Energetica has implemented over 100 projects in all the departments of Bolivia, and between 1999 and 2001 10,572 families directly and 68,657 families indirectly benefited from one of their established projects. Currently, Energetica is evaluating the wind potential in Uyuni so as to determine the possibility of wind generators that would provide rural families with electricity in an environmentally and economically friendly manner.

Objectives:
Energetica seeks to improve the quality of life of rural and marginal urban populations by promoting development through the rational use of energy. At present, only 17.2% of rural families have access to energy sources. Energetica aims to change this by offering alternatives such as solar power which would cover up to 98% of a family’s energy needs.

Energetica dedicates its efforts to:

• Planning and implementing projects
• Technical assistance and consulting in regards to energy
• Research and development
• Development of human resources
• Coordinating with other institutions

Who does Energetica help?
Energetica provides technical assistance to all enterprises seeking eco-friendly alternative energy methods, but places an emphasis on those living in rural communities. Focusing on the socio-economic situation of its clients, Energetica teaches alternative energy uses in an effort to improve lives in a sustainable manner.

Working Conditions:
The main office of Energetica is located in the city center of Cochabamba, but volunteers will be required to make field trips to rural communities within the Cochabamba department. There is a permanent staff of twenty-two including economists, biochemists and administrators, as well as six university students a year.

Energetica Projects:
All volunteers would be required to participate in The Inticanchay Project, which is present in ten communities within the Cochabamba department and involves the installation of solar panels and biomass kitchens. Energetica also educates the communities on the benefits and proper usage of such tools.

Other Energetica projects include:

• Researching rural energy use, rural electrification, and isolated energy systems
• Studying energy potential, environmental impact of energy use, and alternative technologies
• Generating information, training, and education of human resources
• Developing management strategies

Program supervisor:
Iris T.Guzman O.