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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Colombian Energy Minister Edwin Palma announces Air-e financial crisis measures and El Niño preparations at a press conference.
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Energy Minister Palma advances Air-e crisis measures amid El Niño threat

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Colombia’s Mines and Energy Minister Edwin Palma defended his handling of the Air-e financial crisis—ongoing since early 2026 with $1.6 trillion in debts—and announced key steps: a targeted $8/kWh surcharge on high-income users, a Creg proposal for more energy contracting ahead of El Niño, and calls for structural reforms in the Caribbean region's electricity sector.

Two new reports from the International Energy Agency and Ember highlight 2025 as a pivotal year for renewable energy, with solar power leading growth and renewables surpassing coal in global electricity generation for the first time in over a century. This progress occurred amid a war in Iran that disrupted 20 percent of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. The analyses point to an emerging 'age of electricity' driven by renewables.

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Trade groups Andeg and Fenalcarbón stressed the need for long-term contracts and coal-fired thermal plants as backup for Colombia's power grid, with El Niño likely in the second half of 2026. Alejandro Castañeda, Andeg president, and Carlos Cante, from Fenalcarbón, warned of growing energy deficits and climate vulnerabilities.

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.

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Colgas and Ladrillera Santafé launched operations of a solar park in Soacha, Cundinamarca, with a $16 billion peso investment. The project generates 5.4 MWp and aims to cut the brick factory's energy costs by up to 30%, avoiding at least 1,400 tons of CO2 emissions annually.

The United States installed a record amount of energy storage capacity in 2025, according to a solar industry report. This milestone advances clean energy infrastructure amid policy challenges from the second Trump administration, as utilities adapt grids to surging electricity demand.

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The United Kingdom has begun generating electricity from its first geothermal power plant in Cornwall, marking a resurgence in the technology worldwide. The United Downs facility produces 3 megawatts while extracting lithium for batteries. This development is driven by advances in drilling and rising demand for reliable renewable energy.

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