Environmental rebound effect of wind and solar technologies in the Colombian household sector

Decarbonizing the national energy system by increasing the amount of non-conventional renewable resources (NCRRs) is one of the strategies of the Colombian government to meet the compromises declared in the last conference of the parties (COP 26) (Glasgow 2021). Concretely, it is expected that at the end of 2023, the shares of NCRRs in the power grid will increase from <1% to 12% through wind and solar power. However, the expected environmental savings may be partially or totally offset by the environmental rebound effect (ERE). This study assesses the ERE generated in the household sector due to increased shares of wind and solar power in the Colombian power grid. Our results reveal an ERE between 1.9% and 8.2% for the climate change (CC) category, which depends on the model (wind or solar) and the approach applied to test it. Backfire effects were observed in all the models for the respiratory effects impact category with levels ranging from 119,469% to 376,605%. Service sectors contribute with about 27% (combined approach) and 47% (single approach) of the total ERE in the CC impact category. We highlight the importance of rebound mitigation policies to mitigate the potential negative effects of the ERE and the reinforcement of desired effects such as economic growth and social welfare.

Automated summary

This study evaluates the environmental rebound effect (ERE) generated in the household sector due to increased shares of wind and solar power in the Colombian power grid. The results show an ERE between 1.9% and 8.2% for the climate change (CC) category, with service sectors contributing about 27% to 47% of the total ERE in the CC impact category. It is important to strengthen rebound mitigation policies to mitigate the potential negative effects of the ERE.