Development of riverine hydrokinetic energy systems in Colombia and other world regions: a review of case studies

• Published in: Dyna (Medellín, Colombia) Colombia), 2021-06, Vol.88 (217), p.256-264
• Main Authors: Villegas Quiceno, Adriana Patricia, Aristizabal Tique, Victor Hugo, Arbelaez Pérez, Oscar Felipe, Colmenares Quintero, Ramón Fernado, Vélez Hoyos, Francisco Javier
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Climate change; Electric power generation; Electrification; Energy demand; Energy sources; hydrokinetic energy; hydrokinetic power; hydrokinetic river technology; hydrokinetic turbines; Renewable energy sources; river energy; river turbine; Rural areas; Rural electrification; Technology; Water resources
• ISSN: 0012-7353; 2346-2183
• DOI: 10.15446/dyna.v88n217.93098

At a global level, hydrokinetic power has been considered as a renewable energy source, and it has become an attractive alternative for the rural electrification of non-interconnected areas with the presence of water resources. Aspects such as the low rural electrification rate, the increase in energy demand, the decrease in fossil reserves and the climate change, are some of the factors that have driven the use of this technology for the electricity production. The aim of this work is to give a review of the hydrokinetic energy potential of water resources, the requirements and impacts of the implementation of hydrokinetic technology in different countries, and the current development in the Colombian case. At present, it can be observed that the implementation of this technology in different regions of the world, especially in Colombia, has several challenges and barriers, including gaps in knowledge, information and data, such as well as limitations of water resources and infrastructure, finally, impacting on a low adoption of this technology. On the other hand, publications on studies of implementation and potential of hydrokinetic technology have been increasing over time, indicating that this topic has been gaining interest despite the challenges.