# Colombia solar capacity growth

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/colombia-solar-capacity-growth
> Updated: 2026-07-30T11:39:05.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

In July 2026 Colombia’s renewable push accelerated on two fronts. Erco Energía commissioned a 15‑MW solar plant in Tolima, modestly expanding the nation’s clean‑energy portfolio. Within the same month the Ministry of Mines and Energy concluded a historic two‑day clean‑energy procurement auction that awarded roughly 1 GW of new solar capacity – 995 MW in total – together with close to 100 MW of battery‑energy storage. The first auction day allocated 270 MW of solar linked to the storage, while the second added 725 MW of solar parks. The contracts, lasting 15 years and slated to begin supplying power from 2030, are expected to serve more than 800,000 households and cover about 3 % of regulated electricity demand. Minister Edwin Palma highlighted the immediate challenge of bringing the projects on‑line, noting that the awards secure nearly 7 GW of capacity that will underpin Colombia’s power system for the next decade. Collectively, the plant launch and the large‑scale auction underscore an accelerating diversification of Colombia’s electricity mix, integration of storage, and enhanced resilience to climate‑related shocks.

## Claims

- Colombia awarded 995 MW of solar capacity and about 100 MW of battery storage in a clean‑energy auction. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The auction was conducted over two days, with 725 MW of solar awarded on the second day. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The awarded capacity represents roughly 3 % of Colombia’s regulated electricity demand. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Minister Edwin Palma said the next challenge is to bring the awarded projects into operation and noted about 7 GW is ready to become the foundation of the electricity supply for the next decade. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The awarded projects can supply electricity equivalent to the consumption of more than 800 000 Colombian families. (single source)
- On the first day, 270 MW of solar tied to 100 MW of battery storage was awarded at a closing price of COP 315.87 per kWh. (single source)
- The auction contracts have a duration of 15 years, with supply obligations starting in 2030. (single source)
- The Colombian Mercantile Exchange acted as the auctioneer and will deliver audited final results once the process is complete. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-07-30: Colombia awards nearly 1 GW of solar and battery capacity in historic clean‑energy auction

Colombia’s clean‑energy auction awarded 995 MW solar and ~100 MW battery storage, covering 3 % of demand and enough for 800 k families; projects must be operational by 2030.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-secures-995-mw-of-new-solar-power-in-cleanenergy-auction

### 2026-07-09: Erco Energía launches 15‑MW solar plant in Tolima, Colombia

Erco Energía’s Chenche solar plant in Tolima, Colombia, now operates with 14.96 MWp capacity, battery storage and a new substation, supplying power for about 10,000 homes.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/erco-energa-launches-15mw-solar-plant-in-tolima-colombia

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Cite as: Colombia solar capacity growth. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/colombia-solar-capacity-growth