Colombia is ushering in a new era of sustainable energy initiatives, as the energy ministry announces a groundbreaking policy allowing Indigenous, rural, and minority communities to establish renewable energy projects. The move aligns with President Gustavo Petro’s commitment to shift the nation away from reliance on oil and coal towards cleaner alternatives such as solar and wind power. However, challenges, including environmental licensing delays and opposition from Indigenous Wayuu communities, have hindered progress in certain regions.

Inclusive Energy Development: Community-Driven Ventures

Under the recently signed decree, participating groups, comprising rural farmers, Indigenous, and Afro-Colombian communities, are granted the opportunity to create and commercialize renewable energy. These groups can form joint ventures with private companies or collaborate with the public sector. The decree emphasizes that communities should initially focus on fulfilling their energy needs through these projects. Once self-sufficient, excess energy can be channeled into the national grid or even exported.

Overcoming Hurdles and Paving the Way for Offshore Wind

Despite the ambitious goal to transition to renewables, challenges persist, with licensing delays and opposition affecting projects, particularly in the coastal La Guajira province. Currently, 70% of Colombia’s energy is derived from hydroelectric projects, while less than 1% comes from renewables. Notably, oil and coal remain the country’s primary exports. The decree aims to address these challenges by fostering collaboration between communities and various sectors to drive sustainable energy development.

Colombia’s move towards renewable energy is reflected in over 50 announced wind and solar projects since 2019, with a planned capacity of 2.43 gigawatts in wind energy and 0.1 gigawatts in solar. However, as of now, none of these projects are operational, with some companies, including Italy’s Enel, citing local protests as a reason for indefinite project delays and significant investment setbacks.

What Does this Indicate? 

In a significant step towards expanding its renewable portfolio, Colombia recently initiated its first bidding round for offshore wind concessions. This signals a commitment to overcoming obstacles and realizing the potential of offshore wind as a valuable component of the nation’s sustainable energy future. As Colombia embraces a more inclusive and community-driven approach to renewable energy, the nation is poised to demonstrate that sustainable development can go hand in hand with empowering local communities and preserving the environment.