Publications

Survey of Energy Resources 2007

Hydropower Country Notes

Colombia

The theoretical potential for hydropower is very large, being estimated to be
1 000 TWh/yr, of which 20% is classed as technically feasible. The economically exploitable capability has been evaluated as 140 TWh/yr: hydro output in 2005 represented about a quarter of this potential, and accounted for around two-thirds of Colombia's electricity generation.

Construction of Porce III (660 MW) began in 2006. Around 10 000 MW of new capacity is at the planning stage, for medium- to long-term implementation, including Sogamoso (840 MW), Nechí (750 MW), Miel II (411 MW), Quimbo (400 MW), Andaquí (705 MW) and Porce IV. In addition, there is estimated to be scope for uprating existing HPPs by a total of around 500 MW.