Backup power system Colombia

What is Colombia's power system like?

Colombia’s power system is characterised by large installed capacity for hydropower (70% of total capacity), mostly from plants with significant reservoir capacity. VRE generation capacity, below 1% in 2017, would reach 17% by 2030 under the revised energy plan (UPME, 2018). Additional biomass power by 2030 would account for 3% of capacity.

Is hydropower a viable alternative to storage systems in Colombia?

Since the existing regulatory framework in Colombia is not allowing storage systems or behind-the-meter resources to provide the required flexibility services, hydropower will be the more likely alternative, leading to faster system dynamics and to new inertia requirements.

Can the Colombian electrical system operate safely?

The study concluded that considering the expected variable IBR penetration, the Colombian electrical system can operate safely, while respecting the security and reliability constraints established in the current regulation.

What is UPME & how does it work in Colombia?

The process was formalised by sending an oficial invitation to the focal point entity for Colombia – the National Mining and Energy Planning Unit (Unidad de Planeación Minero Energética – UPME), a specialised unit attached to the Colombian Ministry of Mines and Energy in charge of expansion of the electrical system – to conduct

Will Colombia's hydropower system be flexible in 2030?

While system flexibilty was suficient, coal and oil use rose to compensate for less hydropower output. This meant higher system costs and carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions. Colombia is not expected to face flexibility issues in 2030 even with lower rainfall.

What is the energy transition in Colombia?

Figure 1 - Installed capacity by source [2021 to 2026] (source: XM S.A. E.S.P) The ongoing energy transition in Colombia is marked by three main developments: (1) the massive integration of Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs) and distributed energy resources, (2) advanced metering infrastructure deployment and (3) demand-side programs.