Renewable Energy in Colombia: The Future is Now

Not too long ago, renewable energy was seen as a commodity of the future in Colombia. However, it looks like the future is now. The need to ensure energetic sovereignty and, more importantly, a sustainable energy source has become an imperative on the global agenda. 

Indeed, the country has begun exploring new energy sources that are both able to satisfy the demand for energy and cause as little environmental damage as possible. This pressing matter has become more than just about diversifying energy creation. It has become a mentality shift. Renewable energy brings with it a complete shift in the way we think about and manage energy creation. Some key aspects of this shift include decentralization, digitalization, and active participation from citizens and corporations. 

The Energy Transition Index of 2023 is a good indicator to understand Colombia’s position in this process. The index evaluates and measures the compromises that countries have adopted toward the energy transition. There are a total of 120 countries evaluated in five key areas, equity and inclusion, security, sustainability, regulations, investment, and enabling factors. In Latin America, 10 countries were evaluated in 2023. Brazil leads this ranking, with 65.9 points out of 100. Colombia ranks sixth in the region. 

Even though the current position is not ideal, there is some good news for Colombia. The country is in a position to carry out the transition to renewable energy. Recently, Rubby Casallas, dean of engineering faculty at the University of the Andes, said that Colombia has remarkable potential for all kinds of green energy resources. Some of the more abundant ones include Eolic, geothermal, and biomass resources. This means that Colombia could be one of the leading countries regarding the production and consumption of renewable energy. 

What is the role of AI in transitioning to renewable energies?

A lesser-known aspect of the energy transition is the role that artificial intelligence has to play, with databases and data processing being key components. This is because they both play a major role in optimization and managing the transition of the future. These two factors will enable a more robust energy infrastructure for the country. They will especially help make the system cost-effective and successfully meet the country’s energy demands. 

Technological innovation has allowed solar energy to further develop. According to the World Economic Forum, cost reductions to generate solar energy in the last few decades have dramatically increased the development of these types of projects. The US Department of Energy estimates that solar and Eolic energy will be the leading energy sources in the next 25 years.