In Colombia, the current state of electricity consumption over the period from August 2024 to July 2025 reveals that the country relies significantly on low-carbon energy sources, with more than three-quarters of electricity being generated from such sources. Hydropower stands out as the predominant source, contributing to more than two-thirds of the total electricity generated. Solar power and biofuels add smaller contributions to the low-carbon energy mix. On the other hand, fossil energy accounts for about a quarter of the electricity generated, with gas and coal being the main contributors, whereas oil makes a smaller impact. This clear preference for low-carbon electricity is indicative of Colombia's commitment to green energy, even though there remains room for diversification within the clean energy segment.
Is Electricity Growing in Colombia?
Despite this significant reliance on low-carbon energy, Colombia's overall electricity consumption per person is currently experiencing a decline. The latest readings from 2025 show a consumption level of 1,647 kWh per person, which represents a decrease from the record reached in 2023 of 1,728 kWh per person. This reduction reflects a need to focus on sustainable growth in electricity generation and usage, particularly for clean sources. Similarly, the generation of low-carbon electricity on a per-person basis has not yet returned to its peak, standing at 1,241 kWh/person, compared to the previous highest level in 2017. This gradual decline necessitates increased efforts to harness more low-carbon sources, to ensure the country's energy security and fulfillment of environmental commitments.
Suggestions
In seeking to boost its low-carbon electricity generation, Colombia can learn from successful practices in other regions. In particular, embracing solar and nuclear energy can significantly enhance the electricity landscape. For instance, Lebanon and Nevada have harnessed solar power efficiently, generating around a quarter or more of their electricity from this source. Leading nations in nuclear generation, such as France and Slovakia, present a benchmark for adoption at high capacity. By adopting similar strategies, Colombia could diversify its energy sources further, reducing dependence on hydropower and fortifying its energy grid's reliability. Expansion in solar and nuclear energy not only aligns with global clean energy trends but also positions Colombia for a resilient and advanced energy future.
History
Historically, Colombia's low-carbon electricity generation has been primarily driven by hydropower. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, hydropower saw fluctuations with both increases and decreases in generation. During the 1990s, electricity generation from hydropower experienced periods of robust growth particularly in 1993, with a notable increase. Heading into the 2000s, occasional dips were countered with subsequent rises, particularly in 2011 and again in 2017 when generation peaked. Despite declines in recent years leading up to 2024, there has been a strong bounce back in hydropower generation by 2025. It is imperative to build on this rich history by augmenting it with alternative low-carbon sources to ensure consistent growth in Colombia's clean electricity generation capability.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.