XelaTeco spreads green and renewable technology in rural Guatemala

For XelaTeco, 2006 was a very exciting year. AIDG's first incubated business completed a UN-funded micro-hydroelectric installation in Guatemala that is now providing 200 people with electricity in their homes for the first time. XT hosted eleven very talented students as part of the inaugural year of AIDG's internship program. It also made and reinforced partnerships with development NGOs in the Quetzaltenango area to supply appropriate technologies to local communities.

In 2007, XelaTeco renews its commitment to provide affordable electricity, sanitation and clean water to the rural poor. The one-year-old company strives to do this and help reduce the human impact on the environment at the same time. How?  By focusing on clean and green technologies such as biodigesters, hydraulic water pumps and water filters.

Biodigesters turn animal waste into biogas and fertilizer, leaving the water table free from fecal contamination and the air smelling sweeter. These machines also help keep methane, a greenhouse gas more potent that carbon dioxide, out of the atmosphere. XelaTeco's family-sized biogas systems produce 3-4 hours of fuel per day allowing users to cut their fuel costs. The company's low-maintenance water pumps are inexpensive and handily operate without electricity or diesel. They can be used for irrigation or for moving water to higher ground or water towers. Their water filters remove particulate matter and harmful microorganisms from polluted water preventing disease and improving health.  XelaTeco products still in development include solar water heaters and LED lighting.

For the immediate future, XelaTeco intends to concentrate on simple products such as the ones listed above rather than complex systems like the micro-hydroelectric installation at Comunidad Nueva Alianza. One major reason for this decision is that the demand for the simpler technologies is higher, manufacturing time is lower and maintenance is easier.

One of XelaTeco's major goals for this year is to continue improving its product line to make it cheaper and better for its clientèle: individuals, communities and local development agencies.  Infrastructure development  groups are turning out to be a more promising customer base than initially expected. For many, XelaTeco's products enable them to fulfill their missions and get more for their buck or in this case Quetzal. XelaTeco is strengthening its relationships with local non-profits like CEDEPEM and CDRO and has short-term contracts to produce biodigesters and water purifiers for communities served by these organizations. A big (and welcome) challenge for XelaTeco will be meeting the demand for products that its early successes have generated.

Overall 2007 looks to be as promising a year as 2006 for this green provider. If XelaTeco continues to progress at the same rate, it will light the way for many underserved communities in Guatemala.