Colombia solar energy: Country slow to tap into renewable energy

Latin America

Most of Colombia’s energy comes from hydroelectric plants. But drought-like conditions has forced leaders to seek alternative energy sources.

But that idea hasn’t taken off.

CCTV America’s Michelle Begue explains the situation from Bogota.

The Ramon Jimeno School in Bogota is green thanks to 148 solar energy panels installed a year ago. The school is not only energy-efficient, but in summer months, it gives electricity to the city’s electric company. The cost to the school was about $200,000, but the company which installed the panels said these renewable energy sources must be seen as an investment.

70 percent of Colombia’s electricity is generated by hydroelectric plants. But, as a result of El Nino and an intense drought for months, experts said Colombia is now seeing the negative effects of not diversifying their energy sources earlier.

Alternative technology such as solar and wind energy account for just one percent of Colombia’s energy source, according the Association of Colombia’s Electricity Generators.

The industry said the government needs to support companies and people who want to make the change to alternative clean energy sources such as solar panels.