Abstract
With resources like wind, solar, waves, tides, currents, and thermal and salinity gradients, the Colombian Caribbean and Pacific basins could play an essential role in decarbonizing the energy systems and diversifying the country's energy matrix in the medium term. The northern Caribbean region, encompassing Atlántico, Magdalena, and La Guajira, stands out with abundant resource potential, exceeding 1331 W/m2 and 1700 W/m2 in specific areas [1]. From the thermal gradients, 40 MW could be exploited near the coast of San Andres [2] and, 10 MW in Santa Marta [3], and 15,624 MW are theoretically available in the salinity gradients at some river mouths [4]. The average theoretical wave potential in the Caribbean is 5-6 kW/m and up to 4 kW/m in the northern Pacific [5]. Despite the high potential for ocean energy in Colombia, current efforts in this regard are limited to academic initiatives. The resource Ocean Renewable Energy sources distribution is sketched in Fig. 1.
This work compiles the most representative national studies and projects on ocean energy (marine renewable and offshore wind), including several resource assessments and technology development. Also, it discusses the national panorama in the context of LatinAmerican and Caribbean regions. Finally, it provides insights for joining the business sector, academic sector, government, and local communities towards promoting public policies and deploying large-scale projects.
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