Indeed, everyone has seen the image of a hydroelectric power plant releasing millions of cubic meters of water through its spillway. But why does this happen? Usually, it’s due to an excess flow not anticipated in operational planning or electrical system constraints. The term "curtailment" has recently been used to describe what happens in solar and wind power plants when … [Read more...] about The Challenge of Renewable Energy Curtailment
Arturo D. Alarcón
Arturo D. Alarcón is a Senior Specialist in the Energy Division of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in Washington, D.C. Since joining the Bank in 2010, he has been involved in the development and oversight of projects related to generation, transmission, distribution, rural electrification, and alternative energies throughout the region. Currently, he supports the technical coordination of the Division, focusing on the expansion of transmission, a just and sustainable energy transition, and decarbonization. He also serves as the focal point for hydropower within the IDB. Arturo holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, specializing in electric system planning, and a master's degree in Power Systems and Business, both from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, UK. Additionally, he is a graduate in Electromechanical Engineering from the Universidad Privada Boliviana. Before joining the IDB, he worked as a researcher at the Energy and Environment Institute at the University of Strathclyde, developing new planning methods for renewable and distributed generation, smart grids, energy storage, and power systems.
Five Takeaways from Advancing Inclusive Energy Transition in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2024
As we close 2024, the Energy Division Inter-American Development Bank celebrates a year of impactful progress towards a just and inclusive energy transition in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our efforts have successfully impacted and improved lives in countries across the region, from areas such as energy access to the adoption of new technologies to keep innovating. In … [Read more...] about Five Takeaways from Advancing Inclusive Energy Transition in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2024
Indigenous women: key agents of rural electrification
When we talk about sustainable energy transition, we often think of how a wind turbine can replace the energy generated by a coal plant, or how the installation of solar panels and electric vehicles increasingly replace energy from oil. However, a true energy transition not only implies replacing fossil fuels, but also more inclusive and equitable energy development policies … [Read more...] about Indigenous women: key agents of rural electrification
Energizados, a tool to automate the detection of electrical fraud
Did you know that in 2019 the losses from electrical transmission and distribution systems in Latin America and the Caribbean could have supplied electricity to more than 50 million homes? To reduce these losses, the IDB has developed Energizados, a tool that uses artificial intelligence to automate the detection of electrical fraud. For electricity to reach cities, … [Read more...] about Energizados, a tool to automate the detection of electrical fraud
Energy transition and economic development: a challenge or an opportunity for Brazil?
Energy is key for economic development. Oil, gas, and electricity serve as an important input for transport and industry processes. Electricity is essential for household’s well-being, and commercial activities. Moreover, the quality of most public services, such as health and education, rely on electricity. Historically, demand growth is coupled with economic development. … [Read more...] about Energy transition and economic development: a challenge or an opportunity for Brazil?