Colombia publishes 15-year energy expansion plan

Solar and wind power will account for up to two thirds of Colombia's installed capacity growth by 2031, according to mines and energy planning unit UPME.

Wind is forecast to be the fastest-growing energy source, contributing 2,858MW out of the 5,991MW of additional capacity slated for the period.

Meanwhile, hydropower is expected to add 1,255MW, solar 1,193MW, cogeneration 154MW, small and micro plants (under 20MW) 475MW and gas 57MW. Coal-fired generation, which currently totals 1,339MW, is not expected to see any growth.

The projections form part of UPME's latest 2017-31 power generation and transmission expansion plan, which has been put out to public consultation.

Colombia's overall installed capacity is projected to jump to 24,272MW over the period from 16,742MW. The figures consider a best-case scenario with no connection limits, UPME said. The additional 1,500MW or so is explained by reserve energy requirements for times of drought.

The release of the 111-page draft document for 2017-31 comes as the government moves to increase the share of non-conventional renewable (NCRE) sources in the energy mix.

According to UPME figures, more than two thirds of current power supply is sourced from hydroelectric plants while combined capacity from NCRE is around 3%.

In 2014, the government passed a law that granted tax breaks and promoted the implementation of demand-side management systems for the NCRE segment.

And in October, energy and gas regulator Creg said it was working on a mechanism that will be used for an NCRE supply auction in the first half of next year.

SOLAR

UPME is also seeking technical recommendations that identify necessary regulatory changes for the expansion of solar power in the energy matrix.

Latest government figures show that solar PV plants make up 85% of NCRE project proposals submitted by developers in Colombia to date.

Medellín-based group Celsia has been a flag-bearer for the local solar sector with a burgeoning portfolio of rooftop and utility-scale projects.

In September, the company brought online its 10MW Yumbo plant in Valle del Cauca department - Colombia's largest photovoltaic (PV) solar facility - and it is also planning a 100MW PV project in the northern city of Valledupar.