*4.4. Renewable Energy Potential in La Florida as an Alternative for Sustainable Development*

Given new national and international demands, it is important for any projection of tourism development to include the involvement and empowerment of local communities to boost their economy. Likewise, it must help to address climate change by aiming to

progressively reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, thereby growing in a sustainable way (Urkullo 2015). This can be achieved by implementing eco-efficient technologies and processes in all areas of the tourism industry, including buildings, infrastructure, etc., and by reducing energy consumption and using renewable sources, especially in the transport sector and accommodation. All of this can be achieved if the implementation of renewable energy sources in tourist destinations is promoted to reduce the carbon footprint of the tourism sector (Urkullo 2015).

Peru has significant potential for developing sustainable tourist destinations, since it has a diversity of geographical contexts accompanied by a variety of climates, providing the country with a range of options to take advantage of renewable energy sources. This context is addressed from a technical-professional perspective that undertakes an analysis of Peru's energy potential.

Sustainable tourism activity managed in an appropriate way can be a strategic ally to preserve the environment, generate economic growth, and safeguard endogenous customs and traditions (Calderón-Vargas et al. 2019). To this end, the Peruvian state has been supporting programs that encourage members of different local communities to establish their own businesses. As of 2017, this includes the "Turismo Emprende" program, an initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism to promote the economic reactivation and reconversion of micro and small businesses (Mypes). The goal is for these businesses to promote the tourism sector by providing accommodation, food, tourist operations, travel agencies, and crafts, while improving and strengthening local businesses to enable them to adapt to current market needs. In 2020, a non-refundable 4,500,000 USD was allocated to rejuvenate the country's tourism businesses (MINCETUR 2021). Another program is the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), which supports small renewable energy ventures in rural areas of Peru. To date, 35,000 homes and 191 institutions have benefited from the IICA's efforts to reduce rural poverty (El Peruano 2019). The MINEM plans to continue supporting projects that promote sustainable development through renewable energy (MINEM 2021). Finally, ENGIE "Energía Perú", one of the country's largest electricity generation and infrastructure companies, seeks to strengthen the technical and infrastructure capacities of small local entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs are encouraged to implement proper business management practices for insertion into commercialization chains or to start their own enterprises and thus improve the standard of living and income of families (ENGIE 2021).

An evaluation of renewable energy potential was carried out, specifically of solar and wind, in the vicinity of La Florida, located in the province of Huaral, department of Lima (−11.308177, −76.795476). Energy demand was calculated for a total of 10 lodging houses, each containing five basic bedrooms with a maximum capacity of two people (these calculations reflect the total annual proportion of visitors to the study location). The energy demand for each basic lodging house was evaluated first, followed by the average energy contributions in kWh/month for each type of renewable energy source and the engineering design necessary to respond to demand (photovoltaic panels and wind turbines). Finally, in light of the sustainable project profile, a calculation was made of equivalent savings in CO<sup>2</sup> emission, equivalence in trees planted per hectare, and economic savings (based on local electricity cost per kWh), both for solar (photovoltaic panels) and wind power (wind turbines).

Table 5 shows values for average daily solar photovoltaic electric potential (PSEP) based on the electric production of a solar photovoltaic (PV) plant of 1 kWp (generation capacity of a solar panel) as evaluated with two types of software (EnAir and Solargis). For this purpose, precise coordinate values were used for the study location. Averaging the figures provided by the two programs yielded a solar electric potential of around 4.40 kWh/day, which is within the desired range.


**Table 5.** Solar radiation intensity in La Florida.

Source: Data from EnAir and Solargis simulators.

Because the town of La Florida is located within a rugged and mountainous geographical context, it has good conditions in terms of average hours of sunshine per day (9 h), from roughly 8:00 to 17:00, with the highest intensity being from May to September. Figure 2 presents the relevant values in a heat map, with red representing the maximum values reached and light blue the minimums. *Economies* **2022**, *10*, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 18

**Figure 2.** (**a**) Average hourly profiles of direct normal solar irradiation (Wh/m2), (**b**) Solar resource map at the study site. The circumference shows the location of the La Florida community. Source: SOLARGIS. **Figure 2.** (**a**) Average hourly profiles of direct normal solar irradiation (Wh/m<sup>2</sup> ), (**b**) Solar resource map at the study site. The circumference shows the location of the La Florida community. Source: SOLARGIS.

As for wind potential, the geomorphological characteristics of the area are a main factor supporting the use of this type of energy. Table 7 provides figures for the wind potential of La Florida, assuming the introduction of a basic wind generation system (wind turbine) with an energy production of 200 kWh/day. Such a design would meet the Table 6 presents detailed values for solar irradiation characteristics, which are necessary for determining the engineering design of photovoltaic electrical systems. The units, kWh/m<sup>2</sup> , represent values of energy and time specifically related to electricity generation

basic energy demands of, e.g., a lodging house, given an operating range based on wind

**Wind Potential** 

Average output potential 180 W

Wind energy 4.2 kWh/day

Annual energy 1522 kWh Average monthly energy 127 kWh Average wind speed 1.2 m/s

**Table 7.** Average wind potential in La Florida.

speeds of 8–11 m/s.

Source: EnAir.

by a 1 kWp photovoltaic system. Note the similar values for direct and inclined normal solar irradiance, typical of altitudinal sectors that do not impose limits on the configuration of photovoltaic (PV) systems.

**Table 6.** Characteristics of solar irradiance.


Source: Solargis.

As for wind potential, the geomorphological characteristics of the area are a main factor supporting the use of this type of energy. Table 7 provides figures for the wind potential of La Florida, assuming the introduction of a basic wind generation system (wind turbine) with an energy production of 200 kWh/day. Such a design would meet the basic energy demands of, e.g., a lodging house, given an operating range based on wind speeds of 8–11 m/s.

**Table 7.** Average wind potential in La Florida.


Source: EnAir.

The characteristics of the wind turbine system are based on the energy generated (described above). A wind turbine with three blades would require a diameter of 9.8 m, with a lateral length for the blade system and generator of 2.3 m, a total mass of 1000 kg, and an active regulation system by vane (aerodynamic orientation). A three-phase generator configuration is needed: 500 V direct transmission, nominal speed of rotation 120 rpm, and inverter.

Table 4 set out the basic energy demand (kWh) and design of a lodging house with five bedrooms and capacity for a maximum of 10 people. The total energy demand is 186.2 kWh, with an equivalent cost of 40.51 USD.

Based on these results, the use of a single PV system generates 114 kWh/month, while a wind turbine system produces 126 kWh/month, yielding an available total of 240 kWh/month. This exceeds the necessary demand per home (186.2 kWh/month) (Table 8).

Figure 3 displays the monthly variation in energy contributions for each system installed in a lodging house. Note the greater degree of contribution of PV systems. When designing a hybrid system (solar—wind), it is necessary to adapt to meet energy demands. While an alternate scenario might consider a purely PV system, for a period of five months the solar irradiation is inadequate (Figure 3); therefore, a hybrid design is suggested.

As discussed, the application of systems that meet energy demand through renewable sources can also help contribute to sustainability. Thus, Figure 4 displays a directly proportional relationship between the number of houses with such systems installed and sustainability measures such as reductions in CO<sup>2</sup> emission, equivalence in trees planted per hectare, and annual economic savings (in USD). Figure 4a treats wind turbine systems while Figure 4b is for the PV systems.


**Table 8.** Basic demand and monthly cost per lodging house in La Florida. 5 TV 575 60 34.5 6.21 10 LED lighting 150 150 22.5 4.05

**Table 8.** Basic demand and monthly cost per lodging house in La Florida.

This exceeds the necessary demand per home (186.2 kWh/month) (Table 8).

**(W)** 

*Economies* **2022**, *10*, x FOR PEER REVIEW 13 of 18

rpm, and inverter.

**No.** 

kWh, with an equivalent cost of 40.51 USD.

**Elements Artifacts Power** 

The characteristics of the wind turbine system are based on the energy generated (described above). A wind turbine with three blades would require a diameter of 9.8 m, with a lateral length for the blade system and generator of 2.3 m, a total mass of 1000 kg, and an active regulation system by vane (aerodynamic orientation). A three-phase generator configuration is needed: 500 V direct transmission, nominal speed of rotation 120

Table 4 set out the basic energy demand (kWh) and design of a lodging house with five bedrooms and capacity for a maximum of 10 people. The total energy demand is 186.2

Based on these results, the use of a single PV system generates 114 kWh/month, while a wind turbine system produces 126 kWh/month, yielding an available total of 240 kWh/month.

> **Monthly Use (Hours)**

**Consumption/M onth (kWh)** 

**Monthly Cost (USD)** 

Source: Adaptation of data from the Ministry of Energy and Mines—Peru. While an alternate scenario might consider a purely PV system, for a period of five months the solar irradiation is inadequate (Figure 3); therefore, a hybrid design is suggested.

**Figure 3.** Monthly contributions of solar, wind, and total energy available in La Florida. Source: adapted from EnAir and Solargis data. **Figure 3.** Monthly contributions of solar, wind, and total energy available in La Florida. Source: adapted from EnAir and Solargis data. per hectare, and annual economic savings (in USD). Figure 4a treats wind turbine systems while Figure 4b is for the PV systems.

**Figure 4.** Contribution to reduction in CO2 emissions, equivalence in trees planted/ha, and economic savings/year based on the number of houses (**a**) with a wind turbine system and (**b**) with a photovoltaic (PV) system. Source: Authors' calculations, based on data from EnAir and Solargis. **Figure 4.** Contribution to reduction in CO<sup>2</sup> emissions, equivalence in trees planted/ha, and economic savings/year based on the number of houses (**a**) with a wind turbine system and (**b**) with a photovoltaic (PV) system. Source: Authors' calculations, based on data from EnAir and Solargis.

#### **5. Conclusions 5. Conclusions**

come to the inhabitants.

in rural communities.

Tourism was identified as a main focus for economic activity in La Florida, with more than 32% of the population employed primarily in this field. Moreover, the degree of influence between sustainable tourism and local development was found to be at a medium Tourism was identified as a main focus for economic activity in La Florida, with more than 32% of the population employed primarily in this field. Moreover, the degree of

level. Thus, as tourist activities develop gradually, they contribute to improving the quality of life of locals, providing better job opportunities and entrepreneurship, and generat-

since it is evident that income from tourism is below the average, with 12% of inhabitants

Environmentally, the inhabitants were found to exhibit a positive awareness of the issue, since they have been undertaking activities to conserve their natural environment. The influence of professionals is needed, however, to help direct the community toward sustainability and to take advantage of natural sources of renewable energy. This might support the creation of sustainable accommodations, which would in turn increase the likelihood of tourists staying longer than one day. This would result in an increase in in-

The evaluation of local renewable energy potential revealed the existence of sufficient solar and wind energy for the generation of electricity through the use of photovoltaic systems and wind generators. It would easily be possible to meet the energy demands of a house-lodging in the study site, thus consolidating an alliance between tourism and the sustainable use of clean energy sources. This in turn has implications in reducing the fixed

It is worth mentioning that this research faces some limitations. Care must be taken when comparing our results with studies of other countries whose populations' standards of living, national legislation, geographical conditions, etc. may differ. Moreover, the carbon footprint linked to tourist activity in the study location is unknown. However, this work is presented in hopes of stimulating further research elsewhere to validate the tourism—renewable energy binomial and thus to motivate the practice of sustainable tourism

**Author Contributions:** Conceptualization, K.R.-D. and R.J.-R.; methodology, K.R.-D. and R.J.-R.; validation, F.C.-V.; formal analysis, F.C.-V.; investigation, K.R.-D. and R.J.-R.; resources, K.R.-D. and R.J.-R.; data curation, D.A.-C.; writing—original draft preparation, K.R.-D. and R.J.-R.; writing review and editing, D.A.-C.; visualization, F.C.-V.; supervision, F.C.-V.; project administration,

not generating an income greater than 150 USD per month.

and variable costs associated with energy supply.

influence between sustainable tourism and local development was found to be at a medium level. Thus, as tourist activities develop gradually, they contribute to improving the quality of life of locals, providing better job opportunities and entrepreneurship, and generating an economic boost. Nonetheless, it was noted that existing development is premature, since it is evident that income from tourism is below the average, with 12% of inhabitants not generating an income greater than 150 USD per month.

Environmentally, the inhabitants were found to exhibit a positive awareness of the issue, since they have been undertaking activities to conserve their natural environment. The influence of professionals is needed, however, to help direct the community toward sustainability and to take advantage of natural sources of renewable energy. This might support the creation of sustainable accommodations, which would in turn increase the likelihood of tourists staying longer than one day. This would result in an increase in income to the inhabitants.

The evaluation of local renewable energy potential revealed the existence of sufficient solar and wind energy for the generation of electricity through the use of photovoltaic systems and wind generators. It would easily be possible to meet the energy demands of a house-lodging in the study site, thus consolidating an alliance between tourism and the sustainable use of clean energy sources. This in turn has implications in reducing the fixed and variable costs associated with energy supply.

It is worth mentioning that this research faces some limitations. Care must be taken when comparing our results with studies of other countries whose populations' standards of living, national legislation, geographical conditions, etc. may differ. Moreover, the carbon footprint linked to tourist activity in the study location is unknown. However, this work is presented in hopes of stimulating further research elsewhere to validate the tourism renewable energy binomial and thus to motivate the practice of sustainable tourism in rural communities.

**Author Contributions:** Conceptualization, K.R.-D. and R.J.-R.; methodology, K.R.-D. and R.J.-R.; validation, F.C.-V.; formal analysis, F.C.-V.; investigation, K.R.-D. and R.J.-R.; resources, K.R.-D. and R.J.-R.; data curation, D.A.-C.; writing—original draft preparation, K.R.-D. and R.J.-R.; writing review and editing, D.A.-C.; visualization, F.C.-V.; supervision, F.C.-V.; project administration, K.R.-D. and R.J.-R.; funding acquisition, K.R.-D. and R.J.-R. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

**Funding:** This research received no external funding.

**Institutional Review Board Statement:** Not applicable.

**Informed Consent Statement:** Not applicable.

**Data Availability Statement:** Not applicable.

**Acknowledgments:** The authors would like to thank the Dirección de Investigación e Innovación of the Universidad Privada del Norte (Perú) for their constant support and management.

**Conflicts of Interest:** The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
