Electricity production using renewable resources in urban centres

Previous research has identified several technologies that use resources that are available in or come from cities that can produce electricity, including biomass, biodigestor biogas, landfill biogas, waste incineration, tidal, small wind, small hydroelectric, and photovoltaic technologies. The use of these technologies depends on the existence of resources and technical, economic and social or environmental factors. The use of multiple-criteria techniques to select the most appropriate options for promoting renewable energy in cities is presented. This approach was applied to the medium-sized city of Cuenca in Ecuador. Data showed the potential for implementing hydroelectric, solar photovoltaic energy, and energy from landfill gas. The results coincide with the existing resources, implemented projects and the expectations of local professionals.