Microgrids through the Energy-Water-Food Security Nexus in La Guajira, Colombia: Increasing water and food security or jeopardizing groundwater levels?

Abstract

This study analyses the impacts of small-scale renewable energy technologies on Colombian rural indigenous communities in La Guajira through an Energy-Water-Food Security (EWF) Nexus lens. Due to the high-water scarcity in the region, special attention lays on identifying the water-related trade-offs when increasing access to energy technologies. Recognizing the importance of the indigenous people's knowledge about their land, this research draws on semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and observatory research to underpin a comparative case study between individuals with access to wind energy, solar energy, and people lacking energy access. The renewable energy systems, especially the newer solar energy microgrids, significantly increase water and food access by powering groundwater pumping systems. However, groundwater depletion is becoming an increasingly growing issue where the systems have been using the same aquifer for several decades. Therefore, this study identifies a major trade-off when increasing access to groundwater resources in arid regions, mainly a growing risk of depleting the local aquifers. This has relevance for all development interventions aiming to increase the access to groundwater through renewable energy technologies in arid regions and allows for more holistic management and policy decisions to be taken.