Large scale integration of renewable energy sources (RES) in the future Colombian energy system. (1st November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pupo-Roncallo, Oscar; Campillo, Javier; Ingham, Derek; Hughes, Kevin; Pourkashanian, Mohammed
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 186(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-11-01
• Subjects: Energy system analysis -- RES -- EnergyPLAN -- Colombia; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2019.07.135
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: The diversification of the energy matrix, including larger shares of Renewable Energy Sources (RES), is a significant part of the Colombian energy strategy towards a sustainable and more secure energy system. Historically, the country has relied on the intensive use of hydropower and fossil fuels as the main energy sources. Colombia has a huge renewables potential, and therefore the exploration of different pathways for their integration is required. The aim of this study was to build a model for a country with a hydro-dominated electric power system and analyse the impacts of integrated variable RES in long-term future scenarios. EnergyPLAN was the modelling tool employed for simulating the reference year and future alternatives. Initially, the reference model was validated, and successively five different scenarios were built. The results show that an increase in the shares of wind, solar and bioenergy could achieve an approximate reduction of 20% in both the CO2 emissions and the total fuel consumption of the country by 2030. Further, in the electricity sector the best-case scenario could allow an estimated 60% reduction in its emission intensity. Highlights: A reference model of the Colombian energy system is developed and validated. Different future scenarios are built using the EnergyPLAN modelling tool. The impact of increasing RES penetration is analysed. The maximum technical levels of wind and solar PV in the electricity sector are estimated.