The significance of clean energy, education, and environmental management in fostering a sustainable future
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In Santa Cruz del Islote, an island located in the Colombian Caribbean, the lack of access to reliable electricity significantly affects the quality of life and educational opportunities of its inhabitants. The current reliance on polygeneration systems powered by diesel g...
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2025-07-01
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| Series: | Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management |
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| author | J. Fabregas Villegas A. Palencia Díaz |
| author_facet | J. Fabregas Villegas A. Palencia Díaz |
| author_sort | J. Fabregas Villegas |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In Santa Cruz del Islote, an island located in the Colombian Caribbean, the lack of access to reliable electricity significantly affects the quality of life and educational opportunities of its inhabitants. The current reliance on polygeneration systems powered by diesel generators is economically unsustainable, environmentally harmful, and operationally unstable. The island experiences an average energy autonomy of only 11 hours. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the feasibility of implementing renewable energy systems specifically solar and wind energy tailored to the island’s unique climatic and geographic conditions, with the goal of improving energy autonomy and promoting equitable access to education.METHODS: The research involved the analysis of meteorological and energy data collected at the Santa Cruz del Islote to assess the potential of solar and wind resources. Solar irradiance levels were evaluated using historical data and the application of atmospheric transmittance models. Regarding wind behavior, it was analyzed through historical meteorological data, the development of wind rose diagrams, frequency analysis, and probability density functions. The study also included an assessment of the island's available renewable energy resources.FINDINGS: The results indicate that Santa Cruz del Islote receives high levels of solar irradiance throughout the year, with average daily values around 4,290 and peak values exceeding 5,780 watt-hours per square meter. The wind behavior analysis revealed predominant directions toward the north and north-northeast, with average wind speeds ranging from 2.6 to 4.7 meters per second, suggesting the feasibility of harnessing this available renewable resource. However, wind potential varies seasonally, with lower availability from May to November. These findings support the design of hybrid renewable energy systems tailored to local conditions.CONCLUSION: The study confirms that Santa Cruz del Islote possesses sufficient renewable energy potential to support a transition away from fossil fuels. Implementing clean energy technologies would not only reduce environmental impact and operational costs but also enhance educational infrastructure and digital access. The integration of sustainability, technological innovation, and social equity is essential for the long-term resilience and development of insular communities like Santa Cruz del Islote. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-ea312962b36d419e9eee1247df7199cd |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2383-3572 2383-3866 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | GJESM Publisher |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management |
| spelling | doaj-art-ea312962b36d419e9eee1247df7199cd2025-08-20T03:50:32ZengGJESM PublisherGlobal Journal of Environmental Science and Management2383-35722383-38662025-07-011131001101810.22034/gjesm.2025.03.08725363The significance of clean energy, education, and environmental management in fostering a sustainable futureJ. Fabregas Villegas0A. Palencia Díaz1Mechanical Engineering Program, Autonomous University of the Caribbean, ColombiaDoctorate Program in Engineering, Technological University of Bolívar, ColombiaBACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In Santa Cruz del Islote, an island located in the Colombian Caribbean, the lack of access to reliable electricity significantly affects the quality of life and educational opportunities of its inhabitants. The current reliance on polygeneration systems powered by diesel generators is economically unsustainable, environmentally harmful, and operationally unstable. The island experiences an average energy autonomy of only 11 hours. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the feasibility of implementing renewable energy systems specifically solar and wind energy tailored to the island’s unique climatic and geographic conditions, with the goal of improving energy autonomy and promoting equitable access to education.METHODS: The research involved the analysis of meteorological and energy data collected at the Santa Cruz del Islote to assess the potential of solar and wind resources. Solar irradiance levels were evaluated using historical data and the application of atmospheric transmittance models. Regarding wind behavior, it was analyzed through historical meteorological data, the development of wind rose diagrams, frequency analysis, and probability density functions. The study also included an assessment of the island's available renewable energy resources.FINDINGS: The results indicate that Santa Cruz del Islote receives high levels of solar irradiance throughout the year, with average daily values around 4,290 and peak values exceeding 5,780 watt-hours per square meter. The wind behavior analysis revealed predominant directions toward the north and north-northeast, with average wind speeds ranging from 2.6 to 4.7 meters per second, suggesting the feasibility of harnessing this available renewable resource. However, wind potential varies seasonally, with lower availability from May to November. These findings support the design of hybrid renewable energy systems tailored to local conditions.CONCLUSION: The study confirms that Santa Cruz del Islote possesses sufficient renewable energy potential to support a transition away from fossil fuels. Implementing clean energy technologies would not only reduce environmental impact and operational costs but also enhance educational infrastructure and digital access. The integration of sustainability, technological innovation, and social equity is essential for the long-term resilience and development of insular communities like Santa Cruz del Islote.https://www.gjesm.net/article_725363_b1eaf954650e17ee76e0cb93e2453972.pdfatmospheric transmittanceenvironmentsolar energysustainabilitywind energy |
| spellingShingle | J. Fabregas Villegas A. Palencia Díaz The significance of clean energy, education, and environmental management in fostering a sustainable future Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management atmospheric transmittance environment solar energy sustainability wind energy |
| title | The significance of clean energy, education, and environmental management in fostering a sustainable future |
| title_full | The significance of clean energy, education, and environmental management in fostering a sustainable future |
| title_fullStr | The significance of clean energy, education, and environmental management in fostering a sustainable future |
| title_full_unstemmed | The significance of clean energy, education, and environmental management in fostering a sustainable future |
| title_short | The significance of clean energy, education, and environmental management in fostering a sustainable future |
| title_sort | significance of clean energy education and environmental management in fostering a sustainable future |
| topic | atmospheric transmittance environment solar energy sustainability wind energy |
| url | https://www.gjesm.net/article_725363_b1eaf954650e17ee76e0cb93e2453972.pdf |
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