What is it about?
In this work, we present a methodology to help Indigenous communities without access to the electricity grid choose the best renewable energy solution for their needs. We use the case of Kanalitojo, in La Guajira, Colombia, to show how different options such as solar, wind, or hybrid systems can be compared, taking into account technical, economic, social, and environmental factors. The aim was to create a tool that enables informed decision-making, ensuring that the chosen solutions are sustainable, respectful of local culture, and genuinely useful in improving quality of life.
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Why is it important?
This research is important because it offers a practical, locally adapted way to decide which renewable energy solution is most suitable for Indigenous communities without access to the electricity grid. What makes it unique is that it goes beyond a purely technical analysis, integrating social, cultural, economic, and environmental criteria to ensure that the chosen technology not only works but is also accepted and used by the community. Its distinctive approach lies in combining computational methods with close engagement in the field, enabling decisions to be based on both data and the real needs of the people.
Perspectives
Writing this article was a deeply meaningful experience because it allowed us to bring together technical analysis and cultural understanding in a way that directly benefits communities often overlooked in energy planning. Working on the Kanalitojo case taught me that the best solution is not always the most advanced technology, but the one that truly fits the people, their environment, and their traditions. For me, the most rewarding part was seeing how a computational framework could become a bridge between data-driven decision-making and the lived realities of indigenous communities. I hope this work inspires others to design energy projects that are not only efficient, but also inclusive and respectful of local cultures.
Dr. Ramon Fernando Colmenares Quintero
Fundación Berstic and Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Computational framework for the selection of energy solutions in indigenous communities in Colombia: Kanalitojo case study, Cogent Engineering, January 2021, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/23311916.2021.1926406.
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