Colombia has surpassed 3.6 GW of renewable energy capacity across operational projects and those under testing, accounting for 15.6% of the country’s power mix. The milestone, driven by the 6GW+ strategy led by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, marks a structural shift for a country that had barely 200 MW of clean energy in 2022.
With part of its project pipeline now slowing and targets still some distance away, the government is preparing to launch a new long-term, renewables-only auction in February. This will be the first tender of its kind under the administration of Gustavo Petro and is designed to reignite investment, expand generation capacity and strengthen system resilience.
According to the Minister of Mines and Energy, Edwin Palma, “we are transforming the electricity mix with firm decisions and clear rules. We are democratising generation and bringing clean energy to historically excluded regions.” He noted that the strategy has included key measures such as releasing grid connection points, streamlining environmental permitting and promoting distributed self-generation.
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Among the most significant projects commissioned recently are the Guayepo Solar Park (486 MW) and La Loma Solar Park (187 MW). At the same time, wind power is beginning to gain momentum in northern regions, while solar PV continues to lead growth in terms of volume and technical feasibility.
Despite this progress, deployment has not been sufficient to meet the targets set for the end of 2025. Official figures show installed capacity running around 2 GW below projections, increasing the urgency to act in order to avoid medium-term supply risks.
What the new auction will change
The upcoming auction is intended to address this gap. Its design will introduce:
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Time-of-delivery blocks, improving grid integration
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Dedicated solar time windows
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Battery energy storage requirements, included for the first time
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More flexible contractual structures, both for awarded projects and for public or private offtakers
These elements are expected to support better alignment between renewable generation profiles and demand, while improving bankability for investors.
The government believes the mechanism will not only mobilise capital but also restore confidence in the market. “Without stable rules, clear grid access and realistic timelines, perceived risk remains high,” Palma warned.
From the perspective of the 6GW+ Committee, the tender fits into a broader public policy vision combining energy security, social justice and climate action. The goal is to sustain the pace of renewable additions while ensuring territorial inclusion, citizen participation and regulatory stability.
With more than 3.6 GW added in less than four years, Colombia has demonstrated its technical, corporate and political capacity to transform its power mix. The forthcoming auction will be the next key test of whether that momentum can be maintained—and scaled—over the long term.
