Michigan State University and the University of Costa Rica developed a biodigester through which solar energy is used to convert waste into electricity. This initiative is part of the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas (ECPA) – Improving Access to Clean Energy in Rural Central America Using On-site Solar Bio-Power Generation.

(Photo: U.S Embassy in Costa Rica)

The biodigester is in Fabio Baudrit Agricultural Experiment Station of the University of Costa Rica, in San Jose, and is a demo of a pilot project to generate energy in the rural areas, technology selection and integration, along with the feasibility study as economic conditions and environmental technologies necessary to adapt to the conditions of rural communities and agro-industrial. This will ensure proper implementation of appropriate technologies in Central America.

(Photo: U.S Embassy in Costa Rica)

This project was made possible by the funding of one million dollars awarded by the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas (ECPA), announced by President Barack Obama at the Summit of the Americas in 2009.

Cutting the ribbon during the inauguration of the on-site solar bio-power generation plant. (Photo: U.S Embassy in Costa Rica)

This initiative news was originally published by the U.S Embassy in Costa Rica. To learn more about this ECPA initiative, click here.