The Digital Revolution of Hydropower in Latin American Countries
Date issued
Oct 2019
Subject
Innovation;
Electricity Generation;
Digital Transformation;
Hydroelectric Power Plant;
Hydropower
JEL code
O33 - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences • Diffusion Processes;
Q25 - Water;
Q40 - Energy: General;
Q55 - Technological Innovation;
O3 - Innovation • Research and Development • Technological Change • Intellectual Property Rights
Category
Technical Notes
This technical note discusses the current state of digitalization in the hydropower industry in Latin America and the Caribbean. The note starts with a description of where is the region in terms of digitalization in general. Then, it explores the relevance of digitalization for the hydropower industry in Latin America and the Caribbean. Four case studies are presented, which enable to explore from first-hand experiences how digitalization is being applied in the sector, and to identify some of the key benefits. This analysis permits also to explore the key barriers for digitalization, and to present some recommendations for its further development on the region.