Solar energy surpasses coal in Colombia's electricity generation

Kiswahili

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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Dramatic illustration of power lines blocked at Colombia-Ecuador border due to export suspension over tariffs.
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Colombia suspends electricity exports to Ecuador over tariffs

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Colombia's Ministry of Mines and Energy published Resolution 40064 on January 22, 2026, suspending international electricity transactions with Ecuador in response to President Daniel Noboa's 30% tariffs. The measure takes effect from 6 PM that day and prioritizes national supply. Ecuador claims it has sufficient capacity to meet its energy demand without imports.

Brazil will need to generate more dirty energy in coming years

Brazil, a reference in clean energy, will have to increase generation from fossil fuel thermal plants due to the declining share of hydroelectric plants in its electricity matrix. This stems from the growth of intermittent sources like solar and wind, which require constant backups. Studies project higher CO2 emissions by 2040, though alternatives like batteries are under discussion.

Over 21% of gas consumed in January was imported

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In January 2026, imported gas accounted for 21% of total consumption in Colombia, according to Upme data. This figure highlights the rising trend in imports due to declining local reserves, as warned by Naturgas, which forecasts 26% by year's end.

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Oil production fell 3% year-on-year in January to 746,400 barrels daily

Colombia's oil production dropped 3% in January 2026 year-on-year to 746,400 barrels per day from 769,800 the previous year, according to Campetrol. Compared to December, it fell 0.1%, or 7,000 barrels, with the sharpest declines in Casanare.

Government imposes 2.5% parafiscal and 12% energy on generators

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Gustavo Petro's government issued an emergency decree requiring electricity generators to contribute 2.5% of their pre-tax profits and 12% of their sold energy to intervened companies. The measure aims to raise funds for the 2026 general budget but has drawn criticism from the sector for distorting the market and discouraging investments. The president defended it by stating that generators' rents come from speculations burdening consumers.

Shanxi's renewables surpass coal in capacity

Renewable power capacity in Shanxi, China's traditional coal heartland, has officially surpassed coal-fired generation, marking a historic turning point for one of the nation's most carbon-intensive economies. The central province's installed new energy capacity surged to 90.48 million kilowatts in 2025, claiming 55.1 per cent of total power-generation capacity, Xinhua reported on Monday.

Frank Pearl urges building energy security in Colombia

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Frank Pearl, president of the ACP, stressed that Colombia must strengthen its energy security without relying on other countries. This comes amid Venezuela's first gas shipment and a drop in national oil and gas production in 2025.

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