Colombia sees jump in renewable energy in 2025 with new players, industry head says

By Nelson Bocanegra

BOGOTA, Dec 4 (Reuters) - Colombia will close 2025 with 2,685 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy generation capacity, up 49% from 1,800 MW at the end of 2024, driven by new project commissions and some regulatory changes, Alexandra Hernandez, president of the Colombian Renewable Energy Association (SER Colombia), said on Thursday.

During the year, 27 medium- and large-scale projects were commissioned, mostly solar, along with three wind projects and one biomass plant, representing cumulative investment of $2.9 billion. The new capacity now accounts for 13% of Colombia's total electricity generation, up from 2.5% at the end of 2023.

Companies completing projects include Atlas Renewable Energy, Ecoener ECNER.MC, Grenergy, China Three Gorges, EDF Power Solutions, Erco Energia, and the Puerta de Oro Solar Park, part of Brazil’s Patria Investments fund PAX.O.

Hernandez said their involvement “demonstrates that Colombia remains a viable destination for energy investment when there are clear rules.”

Small-scale self-generation projects also doubled capacity to 1,200 MW this year, including mini solar farms and installations in homes and businesses.

Colombian company Unergy raised $4 million in an investment round and secured commitments for another $80 million from a European climate fund to build 80 mini solar farms, CEO Eduardo Ospina told Reuters.

Hernandez stressed the need to reduce regulatory hurdles, speed up financial closings, and advance energy storage. Renewable projects typically take three to six years to become operational, with 70% of that time spent navigating about 15 administrative processes. Resistance from indigenous communities and regulatory delays remain key challenges.

Colombia aims to expand solar, wind and geothermal energy as part of President Gustavo Petro’s plan to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.