What makes Colombia's indigenous peoples adopt microgrids? Social acceptance and financial constraints in renewable energy diffusion

Abstract

Approximately 1.9 million Colombians lacked access to clean and reliable energy in 2020 due to residing in rural non-interconnected zones (NIZ). This lack of reliable electricity is compounded by their geographical isolation which makes them unable to access the National Interconnected System of energy (SIN). Renewable energy microgrids serve as a potential decentralised solution to provide clean energy to these rural hard-to-reach areas. This study analyses the enablers and barriers to diffusing such renewable energy systems from the views of the rural indigenous Wayuu people in La Guajira, Colombia. Drawing on semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and observatory research, the strong relative advantage of the innovations, primarily by making accessing water easier, their high combability with current needs and cultural norms, and low complexity creates a high willingness to adopt the microgrids. The close communal ties and communication between different households allow knowledge about the microgrids benefits to spread which further encourage its diffusion. Still, due to financial constraints, diffusion rates are low. Therefore, with national plans to expand renewable energy development in La Guajira and with legislations supporting clean energy to Colombia's NIZs', the Colombian government and relevant development agencies should support the Wayuu people with finances to enable renewable energy microgrid diffusion.