Colombia

Index rank 33

Energy Sustainability Index Rankings

 2010  2011  2012  Trend
Energy Performance  32  26  24 
Energy Security  18  6  5 
Social Equity  61  59  56 
Environmental Impact Mitigation  33  33  34 
       
Contextual Performance  62  62  55 
Political Strength  59  64  59 
Societal Strength  55  57  54 
Economic Strength  65  58  51 
       
Overall Rank  37  32  33 
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Fossil Fuel Resources

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Key Metrics

Industrial sector (% of GDP) 37.6
TPEP / TPEC  (net energy exporter) 3.13
Emission intensity (kg CO2 per USD) 0.64
Energy affordability (USD per kWh) 0.11
GDP / capita (PPP, USD); GDP Group 9,585 (C)
Energy intensity (million BTU per USD) 0.01
CO2 emissions (metric tons) / capita) 1.65
Population Access to Electricity (%) 93.6
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Index Commentary

Colombia experiences a decline in the Index by one place. This is mostly due to a slightly weaker environmental performance driven by an increase in CO2 emission from electricity and heat generation as well as a slower decrease in emissions intensity per capita compared to peer countries. This could not be entirely offset by a better relative performance in the quality of air and water. Slight improvements were made in social equity (rank 56), but Colombia still struggles to provide full access to electricity for its entire population (7% without access). Performance in energy security remained very strong with well diversified electricity production and exports as well as a strong, increasing wholesale margin on gasoline. Colombia also achieved slight improvements in all contextual dimensions.

Trends and Outlook

Colombia, although relatively high positioned in the Index, still faces major challenges, such as expanding coverage of energy services, and finding solutions based on non-conventional energies, improving quality and reliability of energy services, diversification of the energy mix, and sustaining the positive economic development without increasing CO2 emissions. Main areas policymakers are focusing on are: 1) ensuring the continued development of the mining and energy sector as one of the main drivers of economic growth and social development; 2) the promotion of energy efficiency on energy demand and supply side, and consolidate a culture for sustainable use of natural resources; 3) strengthening the participation of different stakeholders in the development phases of the industry; 4) increasing exploration of natural gas; 5) developing and implementing efficient mass transportation systems; 6) ensuring the expansion of electricity generation capacity; and 7) strengthening guarantees and investment opportunities in the country, and boosting investment in science and technology, applied to energy sector. Furthermore, Colombia was an active participant at the Rio+20 summit, and is committed to continue this effort in setting the objectives of sustainable development, seeking food security, protection of water sources, promoting the use of renewable energy, sustainable city development, protection of the oceans, and increasing employment to reduce poverty.

Notes

1) Data for shale gas resources not available