Solar energy surpasses coal in Colombia's electricity generation

The Unidad de Planeación Minero Energética (UPME) reported that in 2025 solar energy generated 4,473.8 GWh, surpassing coal by 25% at 3,564.2 GWh. President Gustavo Petro highlighted a 1,650% growth under his government. UPME emphasizes the sun's relevant role in the national grid.

The Unidad de Planeación Minero Energética (UPME), under the Ministry of Mines and Energy, released data showing solar energy's rise in Colombia. In 2025, it generated 4,473.8 gigawatt hours (GWh), compared to coal's 3,564.2 GWh, 25% less for the latter. UPME describes this as a turning point, shifting solar from minimal to a key player in the national grid, stating on X: “Entre 2022 y 2025, la energía solar dejó de tener una participación mínima y se convirtió en un actor relevante del sistema eléctrico nacional”.President Gustavo Petro welcomed the report on his X account. “Hemos crecido en generación de energía solar 1.650% en este Gobierno”, he wrote, adding: “Ya superamos la generación eléctrica del carbón; hay que superar por completo la generación eléctrica con gas y líquidos del petróleo. Colombia debe basar su energía en agua, sol, viento, geotermia e iniciar el uso de energía nuclear”.UPME's figures detail the growth: August to December 2022, 255.4 GWh; 2023, 1,205.2 GWh; 2024, 3,297.2 GWh; 2025, 4,473.8 GWh.Separately, UPME noted electrical coverage gains: 539,351 new homes connected in 2024, totaling 17,966,870 households served, with a national index of 93.1% in 2025, up 0.45 percentage points from 2023.

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