This paper deals with the optimal sizing of islanded microgrids (MGs), which use diesel generators to supply energy in off-grid areas. The MG under study integrates photovoltaic (PV) and diesel generation, a battery energy storage System (BESS), and an inverter for the connection between AC and DC voltage buses. Levelised cost of energy (LCOE) and annual system cost (ASC) are considered economic indicators, while the loss of power supply probability (LPSP) is used as a reliability indicator. Fiscal incentives such as the tax benefits and accelerated depreciation applied in Colombia are considered for the optimally sizing of each MG element. Solar measurements were taken at a weather station located in the main campus of Universidad de Antioquia in Medellin, Colombia at a latitude of 6.10 and longitude of −75.38. The objective function is the minimization of the total energy delivered from the power sources that successfully meets the load. The model was implemented in Python programming language considering several scenarios. Two cases were evaluated: the first one considered PV panels, a BESS and a diesel generator, while the second one only considered PV panels and a BESS. The option that does not include the diesel generator turned out to be the most expensive, since additional PV and BESS resources are required to meet the load profile. Furthermore, it was found that the LCOE was lower when tax benefits were taken into account.

This paper presents a prospective analysis of the evolution of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system for waste management in developing countries, using the case of Colombia’s packaging sector. The system dynamics model highlights two distinct phases in the evolution of the EPR system: before and after achieving maximum collection and certification targets. In the pre-target phase, the simulation shows a boom in the creation of producer organizations (PROs), collectors, and transformers, driven by increasing demand. This growth is influenced by the magnitude of collection goals, stepwise increases, and the level of vertical integration between PROs and collectors, which enhances profitability. However, entry barriers and the inability of some firms to cover regional waste collection eventually slow this boom. In the post-target phase, the market experiences firm exits and cost reductions, reaching an equilibrium. This trend is further accelerated if producers reduce waste, leading to market concentration, especially among transformers. The analysis suggests that continuous increases in collection and transformation targets are necessary to maintain market competitiveness, avoiding dominance by a few firms. The findings emphasize the importance of local conditions in shaping EPR policy outcomes. The proliferation of PROs in Colombia differs from trends in other countries, illustrating the influence of policy parameters on market behavior. System dynamics prove to be a valuable tool for simulating future scenarios, informing policy design, and understanding the impact of EPR on eco-design, circular economy practices, and regulatory compliance. The study advocates for more robust decision-support tools to enhance EPR policy effectiveness an avoid market concentration and high costs.