Accelerating Colombia's Renewable Energy Future through Private Sector Engagement

Scaling Up Renewable Energy (SURE)

Case Study –

After awarding nine power purchase agreements, Colombia incorporates a private sector engagement strategy to ensure renewable energy projects are completed.

Today, many developing countries are creating policy, legal, and regulatory frameworks to attract private investment in clean energy, increase energy efficiency, and expand electricity access. USAID works in partner countries across all aspects of the energy sector to support their journey to self-reliance.

USAID and the Colombia Ministry of Mines and Energy Partner on Auctions

The Government of Colombia held its second renewable energy auction and awarded power purchase agreements to nine solar and wind projects on October 22, 2019, with a total capacity of 1,374 MW. Procuring energy using a competitive, transparent process increases Colombia’s energy resiliency and the sector’s ability to reliably meet electricity demand by incorporating more clean energy into the generation mix. In addition, all Colombians will enjoy the benefits of reduced greenhouse gas emissions and more affordable energy.

After this historic achievement, the Government of Colombia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) strategically decided to incorporate private sector engagement to ensure project completion. Across Latin America and globally, power projects have experienced delays, cost overruns, and sometimes cancellations due to insufficient engagement with the private sector, communities, and other stakeholders. Communities often perceive that the benefits of the power infrastructure do not reach the local population, and those most affected are not involved in the process, which can result in resistance to projects and unrest.

Led by the Office of the Vice President, the Government of Colombia set out to develop a comprehensive and multi-sector initiative to address a number of issues in Guajira, the state where the majority of awarded projects would be located. While Guajira is rich in some natural resources, it is a desert region and one of the most impoverished parts of Colombia.

As part of this initiative, USAID is supporting the MME, labor ministry, and other stakeholders in the development of a workforce plan that would construct and operate an expected first wave of about 2,531 MW of renewable energy between 2021 and 2024, consolidate a development engine for the region, and catalyze long-lasting economic benefits for the local population.

For More Information

Colombia’s Clean Energy Future

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USAID is helping Colombia diversify its energy mix with renewable energy while making its grid more resilient to climate change, lowering electricity costs, creating local jobs, and promoting gender equality in the energy sector.

Renewable Energy Auctions Toolkit

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Auctions are best practice for procuring least-cost energy. This toolkit draws on USAID’s experience supporting this competitive, transparent process to help countries meet their energy and climate goals while attracting investment in their clean energy futures.

Scaling Up Renewable Energy (SURE)

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GLOBAL, 2017–ONGOING – Through the SURE program, USAID helps partner countries power economies, meet international climate commitments, and strengthen energy security via private investment in, and competitive procurement of, clean electricity.