By the late 1950s, the cost of using diesel generators to power HCJB’s broadcasts had skyrocketed. Technical staff began looking at building a hydroelectric plant by the Papallacta River to greatly reduce the cost of electricity.
Bob Wittig found a used hydroelectric generator in the U.S. for a near scrap metal price. Staff constructed a dam and a large pipe to send water 440 feet down to the turbine-generator. The 1.8 megawatt project at Papallacta was completed in 1965.
The original hydro project (and later ones) had an enormous impact on HCJB’s ministries. By providing inexpensive electricity, it allowed HCJB to expand its broadcasts for more hours, in more languages, and at a higher power to more countries around the world.
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