Optimization and Planning Strategies in the Just Energy Transition: The Role of Women Electrical Engineers in Colombia.

Abstract

This research examines how female electrical engineers play a key leadership role in energy planning, particularly in the design and implementation of optimization strategies for demand management within Energy Communities in Colombia (Law 2294 of 2023). Their participation enables greater social articulation, improving decision-making processes that impact system efficiency and the integration of renewable energy sources (RES). Women electrical engineers have contributed to optimizing renewable system design by installing photovoltaic solar panels that supply power to defined loads, and by deploying static synchronous compensators (STATCOM) that enhance response speed, stabilize grid voltage, reduce power losses and harmonics, and increase both transmission capacity and transient voltage limits. These actions facilitate the planned development of inclusive energy projects that consider technical, social, environmental,
organizational, and cost dimensions particularly in vulnerable and rural communities across Latin America and Colombia, where energy access has historically been limited. As a result, female engineers have promoted gender equity within energy projects, leading to the creation of training and capacity-building programs that empower local populations, especially women and youth. These programs teach the use and maintenance of renewable energy systems, strengthening community autonomy and technical self-sufficiency. This type of
technical training enables energy communities to establish efficient strategies for interconnection planning
with the national grid, ensuring compliance with the Energy Transition Law 2099 of 2021 and CREG Resolution 174 of 2021, which regulates self-generation and distributed-generation activities. Energy communities can
produce their own electricity, reduce consumption, lower billing costs, and sell surplus energy back to the grid
all supported by the technical guidance provided by women engineers leading these processes.