Proyección del Centro de Investigación, Desarrollo, e innovación Complejo Hidropoder Paute

Abstract

Knowledge is currently the fundamental factor for the development and competitiveness of countries, and therefore, for social well-being. Knowledge is mainly generated in research, development, and innovation centers (R+D+I) both in universities and independently. Now more than ever, science and technology are indispensable tools for the construction of modern and including societies. The strengthening of scientific research and technological innovation are essential tasks to support development and to compete in environments increasingly dominated by knowledge and information. Ecuador is one of the countries on Earth that owns more fresh water per m2 at a superficial level. However, this great water potential has not been adequately exploited. As a consequence, it is necessary to carry out scientific investigation projects in order to generate technology innovation and development for the use of these water resources as a way to contribute to the progress of the country. Ecuador’s water strength requires it to “increase its short-term, medium-term, and long-term development in scientific, technical, economic, and social systemic pillars supported on water,” such as: a) Hydroelectric Projects; b) Solar Hydro Trackers; c) Hydrogen; d) Hydraulic Rams; and e) Eco-hydro-impact; among others. Starting from this broad range of possibilities, the creation of Paute Hydropower Complex has been planned in the Hydropaute Business Unit of Ecuador’s Electric Corporation (CELEC EP). This has been conceived as a reference center of Ecuador in technological research, development, and innovation applied to Power Hydro Generation. The development of this work is based on a detailed analysis of the literature review that sustains and justifies the importance of the creation of a Research Center such as the Paute Hydropower Complex for Ecuador. Its activities will be organized around research, development and innovation projects (R+D+I) of social-economic interest and supported by the greatest strength of the country: its water resources. Besides, the guidelines to be followed for the creation of the Paute Hydropower Complex are presented so that it is conceived as a Center that will contribute to the sustainable development of the Ecuadorian society through its social function related to (renewable) energies, energy efficiency and their interrelation with the environment, trying to reach the following results: • To increase the access to the knowledge of the water sources and the technologies for their use. • To create a knowledge platform that will be one of the pillars of the Research Center. • To increase the access to a stable and sustainable energy service based on the sources of water energy. • To train new researchers able to satisfy the needs of R+D+I in the Hydro-energy sector in particular. In conclusion, the Project of the Research, Development, and Innovation Center, “Paute Hydro-power Complex,” is carried out so as to constitute a generating source of sustainable technological alternatives and to contribute to the solution of the energy, environmental, and economical problems of Ecuador, encouraging its competitiveness and development. In this sense, the mission, vision, organic structure, and objectives of the Research Center are established. Besides, the Center’s guidelines for investigation are developed and its main initial projects are presented. These will serve as the starting point for the investigation and creation of knowledge in the Paute Hydropower Complex.