Microgrid planning for isolated communities in Nuquí Colombia – IEEE CHILECON

This paper presents the plan of three separated microgrids located in the region of Nuquí situated on the Colombian pacific state of Chocó. The three communities that are going to be benefited from the microgrid system are Nuquí, Arusí and El Yucal. The situation on these last two communities is critical, with a very limited and unreliable service in El Yucal, and a power service only available on the nights at Arusí. In this study, the main the power sources that are considered for the proposed microgrids are solar panels, hydroelectric centrals, batteries, and several diesel gensets, the latter with the possibility of biodiesel use. The results yield that implementing renewable energy systems in these towns could be favorable as a reduction of both costs and emissions thus improving the quality of life of the people, and in the case of El Yucal and Arusí increasing the electrical energy service capabilities.