Renewable Energy Infrastructure. Importance to Reach Sustainability goals. Venezuelan situation in 2016

Published in: Engineering Innovations for Global Sustainability: Proceedings of the 14th Latin American and Caribbean Conference for Engineering and Technology
Date of Conference: July 20-22, 2016
Location of Conference: San Jose, Costa Rica
Authors: Licia Pietrosemoli de Dikdan
Carlos Rodríguez Monroy
Refereed Paper: #72

Abstract:

Renewable energy is fundamental for economic growth and sustainable development. To be generated, distributed and used renewable energy requires proper infrastructure. Venezuela is a country with important energy resources, mainly in hydropower, but despite the huge resources invested in the improvement of its infrastructure, the delays with projects’ completion as well as the frequent blackouts show that there is a structural problem that hinders the attainment of the Energy for All Global Goals. This article presents an overview of the Venezuelan renewable energy potential, its importance to meet sustainability goals, some construction problems affecting this sector and the situation of renewable infrastructure in construction in the country. The conclusions highlight a complex problem whose solution requires deep changes in the Venezuelan energy policies and strategies.