What is Colombia's power system like?

Colombia’s power system is characterised by large installed capacity for hydropower (70% of total capacity), mostly from plants with significant reservoir capacity. VRE generation capacity, below 1% in 2017, would reach 17% by 2030 under the revised energy plan (UPME, 2018). Additional biomass power by 2030 would account for 3% of capacity.

What is Colombia's energy policy?

Since August 2022, Colombia's energy policy under President Gustavo Petro has called for increased development of renewable energy sources and reduced economic dependence on fossil fuels. The MME (Ministerio de Minas y Energía), formed in 1974, oversees Colombia's mining industry, mineral industry, and electricity sector.

What is Colombia's energy transition process?

Colombia’s energy transition process is underway. Former President Ivan Duque set a goal to increase non-conventional renewable energy installed capacity from one percent to more than 12 percent of the energy matrix by 2022.

Why does Colombia have a poor energy sector?

Lack of accountability in the Colombian energy sector allows for problematic outcomes. The gaseous nature of coal deposits in Colombia has caused a large number of occupational accidents and deaths. Poor ventilation, poor worker training, and inadequate regulation are all factors in methane-related accidents.

Is Colombia a good country for hydroelectric power?

With high rainfall rates and a topography favorable for hydroelectric power projects, Colombia has developed hydro as its primary source of electricity, comprising two-thirds of installed capacity and electrical generation in 2020.

Will Colombia's hydropower system be flexible in 2030?

While system flexibilty was suficient, coal and oil use rose to compensate for less hydropower output. This meant higher system costs and carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions. Colombia is not expected to face flexibility issues in 2030 even with lower rainfall.