FAICO promotes modernization of electrical infrastructure and internet connectivity for Cocos Island
- At the request of the Cocos Marine Conservation Area (ACMC), a study was generated to address critical issues and systematize solutions, promoting inter-institutional work for capacity building at the ACMC.
The modernization and improvement promise is to benefit the work of park rangers, their daily tasks, and the overall safety of people visitingCococs Island National Park (CINP).
These efforts seek to strengthen security and marine management actions to protect 30% of our ocean, in view of the international commitments that Costa Rica has signed.
Foundations, such as UCR as consultants, and Friends of Cocos Island (FAICO) in coordination with Cocos Marine Conservation Area, prepared the diagnostic study, which will allow for guided decisions to be made for the modernization and improvement of the existing electrical infrastructure and internet connectivity in CINP.
The study recommends addressing these critical issues, proposes the coordination of inter-institutional efforts, and the provision of products and services for its implementation.
The study also highlights the importance of technological innovation with microgrids integrated with intermittent renewable energy and the opportunities that exist in the market to provide solutions to the needs identified in the study.
Issues such as control and surveillance, as well as administrative management, telepresence, personal activities, and support in research processes and tourism, will be positively affected by the implementation of the proposal.
This is explained by Fausto Calderón Obaldía, who was in charge of preparing the proposal of the consulting organization:
“To ensure the proper functioning of the National Park, it is essential to carry out a detailed diagnosis. We have had experiences that highlight the need to improve and modernize both systems and internet connectivity.
“Since this is a place with unique characteristics, for us as researchers, it represents a special and valuable opportunity to learn, understand, and develop an innovative system: a microgrid independent of the country’s general electrical grid.
Having this type of infrastructure as a research laboratory benefits the future development of studies and proposals applicable to other spaces, such as Cocos Island.
“Working on the design of integrated microgrids with intermittent renewable energy is an enriching challenge, as it allows us to experiment, improve, and learn in a real environment.”
Thanks to the study, different development scenarios are available, and there is the opportunity to gradually implement improvements based on the growth of electricity and internet consumption needs. These scenarios are presented thanks to the consultancy that is part of the objectives and activities of the project “Promoting the effective implementation of marine protected areas around Cocos Island for the benefit of the Costa Rican Pacific Ocean and the Tropical Eastern Pacific” funded by Re:wild and the Bezos Earth Foundation.
