Colombia's electricity consumption in 2025 predominantly relies on low-carbon sources, contributing to a cleaner energy profile. More than three-quarters of Colombia's electricity comes from low-carbon energy, with hydropower being the most significant contributor at over 70%. This reliance on low-carbon sources is encouraging, reducing the need for fossil fuels that currently make up about a fifth of the electricity mix. Among the fossil sources, gas accounts for a significant portion, while solar and biofuels each contribute smaller shares. In contrast, oil and coal represent a modest portion of the country's electricity generation. This reliance on clean energy is crucial in moves toward sustainable development and the betterment of air quality while standing against climate change.
Data sources used on this page include IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Colombia?
In terms of electricity growth, Colombia's total consumption remains unchanged in 2025 compared to the previous year's record, with both years seeing a rate of 1674 kWh per person. While there is no increase in overall electricity use, there is notable growth in low-carbon electricity, having risen by 30 kWh per person compared to its earlier record from 2017. This reflects a positive trend toward cleaner energy even amidst stagnant total consumption. However, to meet future electrification needs and AI-driven demand, Colombia should focus more on increasing both its total electricity consumption and its share of low-carbon electricity beyond current levels.
Suggestions
To successfully increase low-carbon electricity generation, Colombia should consider lessons from regions that have achieved high percentages of clean energy. For instance, Denmark and Iowa have harnessed wind power effectively, achieving 60% and 58% respectively, which indicates significant potential, especially given the similarity in geographical and weather conditions suitable for wind like in Uruguay at 34%. Meanwhile, embracing nuclear power, akin to France's 67% from nuclear, can provide a reliable and consistent energy source, offering a pathway to significantly bolster the country's clean energy portfolio. Solar, although currently a minor contributor, holds vast potential. Learning from states like Nevada and California, which have tapped solar energy for 34% and 31% of their respective electricity, Colombia can advance its efforts to expand solar infrastructure using its abundant sunlight, creating more resilient and sustainable power options.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Colombia showcases fluctuating contributions from hydropower across the years. The late 1980s saw a notable rise in hydroelectricity production, reaching impressive increases by 1986. However, the early 1990s experienced declines, particularly a major drop in 1992, followed by a recovery phase leading up to the late 1990s. The 2000s were marked by modest gains and declines, a trend that continued into the 2010s. Between 2011 and 2017, Colombia experienced substantial growth in hydropower generation, with a remarkable peak in 2017. Despite some setbacks in the early 2020s, the year 2025 saw a significant increase, underscoring the potential to boost low-carbon energy supply when conditions are favorable. These oscillations underscore the need for Colombia to pursue a more diverse low-carbon portfolio to ensure stability, resilience, and consistent growth in clean energy.
