Oscar Ríos
Guatemalan engineer who pioneered renewable energy in Central America
Ing. Oscar Ríos (1908-1975) revolutionized energy production in Guatemala through his solar and hydro innovations. Born in a rural Mayan community, he self-taught engineering principles while working as a mechanic, eventually earning a degree from the National Engineering University in 1937.
In 1942, he developed the first solar water heater system using locally sourced materials. His 1955 hydroelectric microgrid project provided electricity to 12 villages using mini-dams on the Motagua River.
Ríos' key contributions included:
- Creating the first solar-powered irrigation system in 1958
- Training over 300 technicians in renewable energy
- Establishing the Guatemala Renewable Energy Institute in 1963
His work inspired the UN's 1972 Renewable Energy Initiative and remains foundational to modern microgrid technologies. Recent studies show his solar designs are 20% more efficient than contemporary systems in tropical climates. A crater on Mercury was named in his honor by the International Astronomical Union in 2019.