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
Arturo D. Alarcón
Arturo D. Alarcón is a Senior Specialist in the Energy Division of the Inter-American Development Bank, based in Panama. He joined the Bank in 2010 and since then he works in the development and supervision of generation, transmission, distribution, rural electrification and alternative energy projects throughout the region. Currently his work focuses on issues of universal access, just and sustainable energy transition, and decarbonization. In addition, he acts as the focal point for hydroelectricity in the energy division of the IDB. Arturo has a PhD in Electrical Engineering (with a focus on electrical system planning) and an MSc in Electrical Power Engineering with Business, both from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow (United Kingdom). He is an electromechanical engineer from the Universidad Privada Boliviana. Before joining the IDB, he worked as a researcher at the Institute for Energy and Environment at the University of Strathclyde, developing new planning methods for renewable and distributed generation, smart grids, energy storage, and power systems.
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?
Three solutions to reduce energy consumption in your city
Investments in energy efficiency can support cities to have a smarter use of energy, helping them to reduce carbon emissions. Moreover, energy efficiency may optimize the use of public resources, which are often scarce. Cities consume more than 65 percent of the World’s Energy and are responsible for more than 70 percent of global greenhouse emissions. In countries such as … [Read more...] about Three solutions to reduce energy consumption in your city
Digitization: a revolution for the hydroelectric sector
One of the first power generation technologies, created in the 19th century, is at the forefront of the digital revolution of the 21st century. Digital technology has been present in the electric sector since its inception, given its nature of high technological level. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems (known as SCADA), have been common in power systems for … [Read more...] about Digitization: a revolution for the hydroelectric sector