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This paper presents a review about microgrids around the world, particularly analyzing cases installed in rural areas as a solution to the energy access problem in isolated areas. On the one hand, the Colombian case is presented with the aim to describe and analyze the two main problems affecting the electric system in the country: the coverage of electric infrastructure and the energy supply due to El Niño phenomenon. On the other hand, the paper includes the solutions implemented by the national government installing microgrids. Finally, the subsidies offered in Colombia and other countries are shown, giving a comprehensive description of the productive potential of renewable energy, the current legislation and regulations in the country for FNCE promotion (Non-Conventional Energy Sources), and the incorporation to the SIN (National Interconnected System), proposing that there should be focus on training, research and implementation of microgrids in order to allow their deployment in Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The negative environmental impacts associated to the use of large hydropower plants have helped to focus the attention on small-scale plants, which reduce these impacts considerably. In Colombia, there is an important potential for the implementation of both, large and small-scale hydropower projects, which has been exploited mostly in large plants. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the present situation of small hydropower (SHP) in Colombia, including current installed capacity and existing potential of hydro-energy resources. In addition, the paper presents the barriers that hinder the proliferation of SHP in the country, the main perspectives for future developments and the corresponding conclusions of the analysis performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]