In Colombia, over two-thirds of electricity consumed in the past year came from low-carbon sources, displaying a significant commitment to clean energy. Hydropower dominated, contributing a substantial 70% to the nation's low-carbon electricity output. Solar energy, although smaller in scale, added almost 5% to the clean electricity mix. Fossil fuels accounted for just over one-fifth of Colombia’s electricity consumption. Natural gas and coal contributed the most to this category, forming around 18% of the fossil energy mix combined. With a firm reliance on low-carbon sources, Colombia is making commendable strides towards sustainable electricity generation, but opportunities remain to diversify this green portfolio.
Data sources used on this page include IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Colombia?
Despite an overall robust low-carbon base, Colombia witnessed a slight decline in electricity consumption, dropping by 7 kWh per person from its record high in 2024. Electricity use now stands at 1,667 kWh per person, while low-carbon electricity specifically declined slightly to 1,304 kWh per person. The reduction in low-carbon electricity is particularly concerning, given its proximity to the previous high of 1,306 kWh per person set in 2017. These decreases hint at stagnation in electricity growth, raising concerns as the demand for clean electricity surges globally due to increasing electrification and AI advancements.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Colombia can look towards regions with successful clean energy initiatives. France and Slovakia, with their robust nuclear infrastructure, generate around 70% and 66% of their electricity from nuclear power, respectively, demonstrating the potential of nuclear energy as a formidable, dependable low-carbon complement. Additionally, regions like Nevada and California, at over 30% solar energy share, exemplify how solar power can bolster a nation’s green electricity capacity. Capitalizing on its geographic advantages, Colombia could greatly benefit from expanding its solar and considering the development of nuclear power, helping diversify and stabilize its low-carbon electricity mix.
History
Historically, Colombia's low-carbon electricity generation has been notably shaped by fluctuations in hydropower output. The late '80s and early '90s saw an increase and subsequent decline in hydropower production, which was interspersed with substantial growth in the mid-90s and early 2000s. For instance, increases of nearly 6 TWh were seen in 1993 followed by declines of around 5 TWh in 1992 and 2009. Recent years have seen similar trends, with notable increases like 12.3 TWh in 2017 but setbacks as well in recent years, such as a 5 TWh decline in 2024. These cycles underscore the need for diversification within Colombia's low-carbon electricity sources to ensure resilience against fluctuating hydropower availability and foster consistent growth in clean energy generation.
