In 2025, Colombia's electricity consumption predominantly relies on low-carbon sources. More than three-quarters of the country's electricity—almost 80%—comes from clean energy, with hydropower alone accounting for over 71% of the total share. This significant reliance on clean energy is crucial in mitigating climate change impacts and reducing air pollution. However, close to one-fifth—approximately 20%—of Colombia's electricity is still generated from fossil fuels, with gas contributing around 12%, and the remainder being divided among coal and oil. Solar electricity, still a minor player, constitutes just over 5%, highlighting an area with great potential for expansion.
Data sources used on this page include IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Colombia?
Colombia’s electricity consumption showed no growth from 2024 to 2025, remaining stagnant at 1674 kWh per person. This lack of growth raises concerns, especially in light of the urgent need to increase electricity demand as different industries transition to greener solutions, including AI development. However, there was notable progress in the low-carbon sector; the country achieved a new record of low-carbon electricity generation of 1336 kWh per person, up from 1306 kWh in 2017. Although stagnant overall consumption is a concern, the incremental growth in sustainable energy sources reflects a commendable shift in the right direction.
Suggestions
To boost clean electricity generation further, Colombia can look towards successful regions where solar and nuclear energy have proven effective. For instance, New Mexico and Nevada's efficient use of solar energy shows its potential, with solar providing 34% of Nevada’s electricity. Additionally, countries like France and Slovakia, predominantly powered by nuclear energy with over 65% share, demonstrate the importance of incorporating nuclear power into the energy mix. By pursuing a strategy that includes solar along with increased nuclear capacity, Colombia can capitalize on diverse low-carbon sources and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, fostering a stronger, cleaner, and more sustainable energy future.
History
In the past decades, Colombia’s low-carbon electricity progress has experienced both highs and lows, with significant contributions mainly from hydropower. In the early 1990s, hydropower output fluctuated, experiencing notable decline and growth, such as a decrease of 5.4 TWh in 1992 and an increase of 5.6 TWh in 1993. The early 2000s saw steady growth patterns, with a noteworthy rise of 3.9 TWh in 2004. More dynamically, recent years from 2017 onwards have displayed both substantial increases and declines, with a major rise of 12.8 TWh in 2025 highlighting a remarkable resilience and capacity to expand hydro resources. Despite challenges, Colombia's history underscores a resilient commitment to low-carbon electricity that is valuable as the country continues to modernize its electricity portfolio.
