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Digital Transformation of Energy Companies: A Colombian Case Study

Author

Listed:
  • Sandra Giraldo

    (AES Colombia, Calle 100 No 19-54 Of 901, Bogotá 110111, Colombia)

  • David la Rotta

    (AES Colombia, Calle 100 No 19-54 Of 901, Bogotá 110111, Colombia)

  • César Nieto-Londoño

    (School of Engineering, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín 050031, Colombia)

  • Rafael E. Vásquez

    (School of Engineering, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín 050031, Colombia)

  • Ana Escudero-Atehortúa

    (School of Engineering, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín 050031, Colombia)

Abstract

The United Nations established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the fulfillment of the 7th, defined as “Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all”, requires energy industry transitions and digital transformations, which implies that diverse stakeholders need to move fast to allow the growth of more flexible power systems. This paper contains the case report that addresses the commercial digital transformation process developed at AES Colombia, through the implementation of a modern platform based on specialized applications that use Industry 4.0 tools. The Chivor hydropower project, a 1000-MW powerplant that covers 6% of Colombia’s demand, which is owned by AES Colombia and constitutes its primary asset, is first described. Then, a description of Colombia’s complex market (energy matrix, trading and dispatch mechanisms, and future projects) is presented. Then, the methodology followed for the digital transformation process using modern tools is described. The project, conceived as a broad framework, comprises applications for the management of hydrological, operational, and market information, commercial information systems and platforms to facilitate consultation and analysis by different users. Such an innovative project in the Latin American context has been developed in order reduce risks and to contribute to a sustainable energy supply for the future.

Suggested Citation

  • Sandra Giraldo & David la Rotta & César Nieto-Londoño & Rafael E. Vásquez & Ana Escudero-Atehortúa, 2021. "Digital Transformation of Energy Companies: A Colombian Case Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-14, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:9:p:2523-:d:545038
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