Colombia holds significant untapped potential for large-scale solar and onshore wind energy development, according to a new report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The study, conducted at the request of the Colombian government, highlights strategic zones across the country that could attract major investment in clean energy infrastructure.
The report, titled Investment Opportunities for Utility-Scale Solar and Wind Areas: Colombia Zoning Assessment, provides a comprehensive spatial and techno-economic evaluation of Colombia’s renewable energy landscape. Using high-resolution data on solar radiation, wind speeds, infrastructure, land use, and environmental constraints, the study identifies 64,196 square kilometers suitable for solar photovoltaic (PV) projects and 7,977 square kilometers for onshore wind.
These zones represent 5.6% and 0.7% of Colombia’s land area, respectively. With development assumptions—including an installation density of 50 MW/km² for solar and 5 MW/km² for wind—Colombia’s maximum theoretical capacity reaches 1,604.9 GW for solar PV and 31.5 GW for wind.
“The zoning methodology and results are intended to reduce investor risk, optimize infrastructure planning, and promote a cleaner and more resilient energy future for the country,” IRENA said in the report.
Annual generation potential was estimated at approximately 2,561 TWh from solar and 88 TWh from wind, with solar capacity factors ranging from 16% to 21.2% and wind from 20% to 43.1%. High-potential solar zones are located in Tolima, Huila, Cundinamarca, and Meta, while promising wind areas include Nariño, Cauca, and La Guajira.
Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE) estimates further underscore investment viability. Solar LCOEs range between USD 79/MWh and USD 105.2/MWh, while wind projects span from USD 63.2/MWh to USD 189.2/MWh, with the most cost-effective zones concentrated in central and southwestern Colombia.
Despite the substantial potential, IRENA cautioned that site-specific studies remain essential to advancing development. It recommended the use of its Site Assessment Service, which offers detailed feasibility modeling to support investment decisions.
The zoning assessment, developed in collaboration with Colombia’s Unidad de Planeación Minero-Energética (UPME), is expected to guide both infrastructure expansion and regulatory planning as the country accelerates its energy transition.
