GIS Tool for Rural Electrification with Renewable Energies in Latin America

Abstract

Renewable energy sources are increasingly being considered as feasible and competitive alternatives in the provision of electricity to isolated rural communities. Electrification planning process must consider the geographical characteristics of the renewable energy sources as well as the social and economical particularities of the target communities, contributing to the long and stable operation of the chosen technologies. GIS are able to manage all the data needed in the decision making process, providing means to compare costs of alternative technologies, based on renewable and non-renewable energy sources. This paper discusses the methodology used by the GIS group for regional integration of Renewable Energies and rural electrification (gTIGER). This method, named IntiGIS, aims to provide the analysis tools we use with more flexibility and dynamism, broadening its application possibilities based on the huge chances given by Geographical Information Technologies. In this paper, an example of GIS to rural electrification carried out in Latin American countries is presented.