GIS-Driven Renewable Energy Solutions: Advancing Regional Development, Rural Electrification, and Universal Energy Access

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Aim: The aim of this Topic is to share insights into the importance of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the development of renewable energy. Scope: This Topic aims to include studies, reviews, research, and projects related to the implementation of Geographic Information Systems and other associated technologies, which are focused on improving the integration of renewable energies as an alternative to the current energy models, thereby promoting a fair energy transition that facilitates universal access to energy, prevents energy poverty, improves regional development, and contributes to mitigating the effects of climate change. Summary: We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Topic, which aims to foster the exchange of knowledge regarding the critical role that Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play in advancing renewable energy development. The Topic will address regional development, rural electrification, energy access, and energy poverty, while also acknowledging the broader applications of GIS in the renewable energy sector. Over the past three decades, GIS has become indispensable in the planning and integration of renewable energy projects. Their ability to incorporate geographic, technical, economic, and environmental variables, coupled with the growing availability of geographic data sources, including remote sensing, has solidified GIS as a cornerstone of energy transition strategies. This Topic welcomes studies, reviews, research, and projects that explore the implementation of GIS and geographic information technologies in promoting renewable energy integration. We hope to highlight their potential in driving a justified energy transition, ensuring universal energy access, combating energy poverty, fostering regional development, and mitigating climate change impacts. Given its multidisciplinary nature, this Topic invites contributions from experts in geography, energy engineering, environmental sciences, earth sciences, agronomy, economics, social sciences, and other related fields.

Prof. Dr. Javier Domínguez Bravo
Dr. Luis F. Zarzalejo
Dr. Markus Biberacher
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Applied Sciences applsci	2.5	5.5	2011	16 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Clean Technologies cleantechnol	4.7	8.3	2019	20 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Energies energies	3.2	7.3	2008	16.8 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Sci sci	-	5.2	2019	26.7 Days	CHF 1400	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	7.7	2009	17.9 Days	CHF 2400	Submit

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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All Clean Technol. Energies Sustainability Applied Sciences Sci

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30 pages, 1727 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Methodology for Preliminary Evaluation of Photovoltaic Projects in Colombia Through Integration of Georeferenced Data and 3D Models (LiDAR)

by Roland Portilla-Garcia, Ricardo Isaza-Ruget and Javier Rosero-Garcia

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(6), 3073; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16063073 - 22 Mar 2026

Viewed by 526

Abstract

This paper proposes a replicable, city-oriented workflow to support the preliminary screening of photovoltaic (PV) opportunities in Bogotá, Colombia, by integrating (i) georeferenced spatial inventories (roofs/land), (ii) solar-resource modeling based on local meteorological stations and radiation models, and (iii) an optional 3D module [...] Read more.

This paper proposes a replicable, city-oriented workflow to support the preliminary screening of photovoltaic (PV) opportunities in Bogotá, Colombia, by integrating (i) georeferenced spatial inventories (roofs/land), (ii) solar-resource modeling based on local meteorological stations and radiation models, and (iii) an optional 3D module (LiDAR/DSM) to refine shading and orientation losses when higher-resolution data are available. Rather than claiming a complete citywide quantification from exhaustive building-level inputs, the workflow is demonstrated through two institutional case studies (public schools) selected to represent contrasting urban morphologies. The results show how the approach consistently transforms spatial constraints and solar estimates into comparable technical and economic indicators for decision-making at the site level. Finally, a practical scale-up pathway is described to extend the same logic from pilots to citywide portfolios through batch processing of urban footprints and the progressive enrichment of inputs—from 2D GIS screening to targeted 3D refinement—while preserving transparency and traceability of assumptions. For the two case study sites, the workflow yielded preliminary PV capacities of 72.6 and 95.0 kWp, with year-1 generation of 90.2 and 115.0 MWh, respectively. The IRR values achieved were between 18.9 and 19.5%, the simple payback period was approximately five years, and the LCOE was between 0.051 and 0.053 USD/kWh. It should be noted that the generation was reported as a central estimate with ±25% tolerance to reflect interannual solar resource variability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic GIS-Driven Renewable Energy Solutions: Advancing Regional Development, Rural Electrification, and Universal Energy Access)

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37 pages, 1439 KB  

Open AccessArticle

GIS-Based Methodologies for the Design of Urban Biomass Energy Generators

by Yessica Trujillo Ladino, Javier Rosero Garcia and Juan Galvis

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(6), 2807; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16062807 - 14 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Urban areas require context-specific bioenergy solutions to advance toward circular and sustainable energy systems. In Bogotá, urban pruning and grass-cutting residues constitute a relatively stable biomass stream; however, the absence of district-scale valorization infrastructure leads to their direct disposal in landfill. This study [...] Read more.

Urban areas require context-specific bioenergy solutions to advance toward circular and sustainable energy systems. In Bogotá, urban pruning and grass-cutting residues constitute a relatively stable biomass stream; however, the absence of district-scale valorization infrastructure leads to their direct disposal in landfill. This study develops and applies a GIS-based planning methodology to support the territorial design of a small-scale anaerobic digestion plant using urban green waste. In this study, “small-scale” is understood as an early-stage urban facility concept compatible with the available pruning stream of approximately 1200–1300 t/month of valorizable biomass, corresponding only to an order-of-magnitude energy range of a few hundred kW_e/kW_t, rather than to a final engineering design. The approach integrates official geospatial data with logistical, environmental, and institutional criteria to characterize biomass availability and evaluate location alternatives under real urban constraints. A continuous location model based on the Weber problem is first applied to estimate a theoretical lower bound of spatial effort, using public schools weighted by enrollment as a proxy for sensitive urban demand. Subsequently, a GIS-assisted Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is implemented to incorporate environmental exclusions, territorial compatibility, and the operational structure of exclusive waste service areas. Results show that the optimal geometric location diverges from the territorially feasible alternative once environmental restrictions and biomass supply coherence are explicitly considered. The findings highlight that urban bioenergy infrastructure planning is governed less by pure spatial efficiency than by the integration of supply, demand, and institutional constraints. The proposed methodology provides a reproducible decision-support tool for urban bioenergy planning and contributes to sustainable waste management, circular economy strategies, and local energy resilience in cities of the Global South. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic GIS-Driven Renewable Energy Solutions: Advancing Regional Development, Rural Electrification, and Universal Energy Access)

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19 pages, 3525 KB  

Open AccessArticle

MODERHydrogen-H₂: A GIS-Based Framework for Integrating Green Hydrogen into Colombia’s Energy Transition

by Javier Dominguez, Ricardo Quijano and Juan Quijano-Baron

Sci 2026, 8(2), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci8020037 - 6 Feb 2026

Viewed by 993

Abstract

The transition to green hydrogen is critical for achieving sustainable energy systems and climate goals. This study presents MODERHydrogen-H₂, a comprehensive framework for assessing solar- and wind-based green hydrogen production, fossil fuel substitution, and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction. The method integrates [...] Read more.

The transition to green hydrogen is critical for achieving sustainable energy systems and climate goals. This study presents MODERHydrogen-H₂, a comprehensive framework for assessing solar- and wind-based green hydrogen production, fossil fuel substitution, and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction. The method integrates Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to optimize renewable energy resource allocation while adhering to sustainability criteria. Applied to four solar sites (2000 MW) in Colombia’s Magdalena–Cauca Basin and three wind projects (1700 MW) in the Caribbean Basin, the model estimates an annual production of 211,074 tons of green hydrogen by 2030. This output could displace 37,221 terajoules of fossil fuels, contributing 2.5% to the national energy matrix and reducing CO₂ emissions by 10.09 million tons. MODERHydrogen-H₂ demonstrates scalability and adaptability, offering a decision-support tool for global energy transition strategies. Its implementation supports affordable, reliable, and low-carbon energy systems, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets. The model offers a single platform from which to simulate renewable energy potential in a sustainable manner within a given geographical area, develop scenarios for modifying the energy matrix of a country or region, simulate rational and efficient water supply and demand for energy uses, including aspects of climate change, calculate green hydrogen production in a sustainable manner, and finally calculate greenhouse gas emissions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic GIS-Driven Renewable Energy Solutions: Advancing Regional Development, Rural Electrification, and Universal Energy Access)

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