The electrification of rural or isolated areas coupled with increasing environmental concerns have promoted the emergence of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and the operation by isolated microgrids. However, the integration of such resources involves technical issues related to the reliability and continuity of the electricity supply. Indeed, the uncertainty of renewable generation sources and the reduced inertia of isolated microgrids are challenges for the operation of these distribution systems. One way to address them is by providing ancillary services through all the resources involved in the system’s operation (generation assets, demand share, and storage systems). Accordingly, this paper first presents a literature review of the challenges and potential benefits of integrating DERs into the operation of a distribution system. It also includes some common strategies to mitigate the vulnerability of the introduction of these technologies in microgrids. Afterwards, the current state of each type of resource in Colombia is assessed. Finally, some basic strategies that enhance the benefits of DER integration are outlined along with the overcoming of challenges of microgrid operation in said country. To that end, we consider isolated Colombian regions to be natural laboratories where the effects of DER integration and the requirements for the operation by local production units can be analyzed.
This study focuses on strategic development for incorporating distributed energy resources into the electrical off-grid power system operator, or isolated microgrids, to guarantee sustainability and energy transition by an adapted business model. A business model canvas was adapted to allow sustainability in an off-grid Colombian microgrid by integrating distributed energy resources with voltage and frequency control as ancillary services; support services that maintain the stability and security of energy supply in isolated rural electrification. The business model canvas was studied with government funds, who cover all the costs associated with making the model attractive and sustainable in a Colombian context, and some proposed technical incentives to analyze the profitability and guarantee the sustainability of rural electrification. The proposed modified business model canvas offers a useful tool for supporting microgrid market scheme development to include distributed energy resources in a Colombian case. The model showed the importance of motivating investors and increasing profitability by including a value proposition based on technical contributions that benefit the microgrid operation; by around 80%. These benefits can solve some stability problems, including ancillary services, like frequency and voltage support, using distributed energy resources. Finally, integrating rural electrification in off-grid zones into the national energy regulation system is vital for incentivizing sustainable projects in rural zones, such as microgrids.
Context: The increase in rural electrification projects has led to the emergence of technologies that allow operating local distribution networks such as isolated microgrids. However, the successful implementation of these isolated microgrids requires that their planning, operation, monitoring, and control consider a framework that allows maintaining technical, economic, and environmental sustainability over an extended time horizon. Therefore, this paper proposes a model that allows identifying the main technical, economic, regulatory, and environmental variables that should be considered for the successful planning of Colombian rural electrification solutions. Methodology: This paper proposes the use of System Dynamics to create a model that allows describing the causal relationships between the different variables essential for the design and operation of isolated microgrids. To this effect, the identification of the related variables and their corresponding classification are presented, together with a model of theoretical expectations about their relationships. Results: A model that integrates and describes the behavior of the main variables involved in the operation of microgrids was formulated to analyze the possible implementation of policies that guarantee the sustainability of these solutions and enhance the use of renewable energy resources while improving the continuity of the electric energy supply. Conclusions: It was possible to show that operation by means of isolated microgrids with the integration of Distributed Energy Resources is a sustainable solution for rural electrification in Colombia, given that it enhances the use of generation resources with a reduced carbon footprint that are present in the territories under study. These microgrids have the potential to improve the living conditions of users by reducing unsatisfied basic needs. Funding: Universidad Nacional de Colombia – Sede Manizales.
The increase in energy demand, mainly due to the dependence of industry and transport on fossil fuels, has led to the extensive use of these fuels and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, generating a severe environmental concern in all countries. Then, the need for a proportionate consumption of energy resources and the decarbonization of the economy to leverage the reduction of emissions into the atmosphere becomes evident. Therefore, implementing Energy Management Systems (EnMS) within industries makes sense, seeking to promote energy's rational and efficient use. Consequently, this paper presents a bibliographic review on the integration of EnMS in the industry, highlighting the main barriers and motivators for its implementation, emphasizing the leading role that management has within companies in converting these programs into sustainable initiatives in an extended time horizon. In addition, an analysis of the Latin American panorama is presented, especially the Colombian one, on the integration of mechanisms to improve energy efficiency in industries. One of the main conclusions evidenced was the need to increase support at the regulatory level for energy efficiency programs in the industry. Currently, greater prominence is given to renewable energy sources, which are a fundamental step for the energy transition but must be complemented with the rational and efficient use of resources. Here, the industry has an essential role in representing the segment of users that more energy traditionally consumes.
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