Solar Energy in Colombia: A Bright Future with Challenges on the Horizon

• Colombia is establishing itself as a solar benchmark in Latin America, thanks to its high solar radiation in regions like the Caribbean, the Eastern Plains, and western Cundinamarca.
• The country's installed solar capacity surpassed 1 GW in 2024, an exponential increase from 184 MW in 2021.
• Centelsa by Nexans is leading the sector with innovation and sustainability, offering solutions like the 'Mobiway Solar Kart'.

Bogotá, April 2025 – Colombia is positioning itself as a leader in solar energy generation in Latin America, thanks to its exceptional solar radiation and a growing interest in Non-Conventional Renewable Energy Sources (NCRES). According to experts from the country and the region, areas such as the Colombian Caribbean, the Eastern Plains, and western Cundinamarca have radiation levels that surpass even those of European countries.

Understanding this landscape and aware of the nation's potential, companies like Centelsa by Nexans are reaffirming their commitment by offering solutions that enhance the safety, efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of solar energy projects. "Colombia has extraordinary solar potential, which contributes to the sustainability and diversification of our energy matrix," stated Martha Sepúlveda, Solar and Grid Offer Manager for the Andean region at Nexans.

According to research from the Mechanical Engineering department at the University of the Andes, Colombia's installed photovoltaic capacity has seen rapid expansion, exceeding 1 GW in 2024—an exponential leap from the 184 MW installed in 2021. Numerous projects are currently under development, representing a significant investment in the sector.

The growth of NCRES in the country is remarkable, with new projects coming online that will add megawatts to the installed capacity and significantly reduce annual CO2 emissions. However, significant challenges persist, such as delays in obtaining environmental and technical permits, lags in securing grid connection points, and uncertainty regarding legal and regulatory stability. "It is crucial to address key challenges like integrating this energy into the grid, competition for land use, and waste management to drive truly sustainable development," added the Centelsa by Nexans representative.

According to data from SER Colombia, 19 new NCRES projects will become operational in 2025, adding 670 megawatts to the installed capacity. The organization also highlighted that this new infrastructure will reduce annual CO2 emissions by 1.1 million tons—an impact equivalent to planting 107 million trees. It also emphasized the estimated investment of $500 million that will fuel these projects, creating over 6,000 jobs.

Innovations from Energy Sector Companies

"Our commitment to the energy transition is focused on supporting investors and EPCs to optimize project investment and execution through a comprehensive offering of cables, services, and solutions. This approach minimizes injury risks, maximizes generation availability, makes cable installation more efficient, and contributes to the solar project's sustainability initiatives," Martha Sepúlveda noted.

Among Centelsa by Nexans' innovations is the ‘Mobiway Solar Kart,’ a specialized vehicle that simplifies the transport and handling of solar cabling at installation sites. This, along with safety kits for on-site workers, reduces accident risks and optimizes timelines.

Furthermore, Centelsa by Nexans has developed sustainability programs like "Allies for the Environment," which promotes the recovery of surplus cable and wooden reels for recycling, contributing to the circular economy and local communities.

"Through initiatives like the 'Eco School' and 'Eco Classroom'—spaces built from the wooden reels used to transport our cables—we have improved the living conditions of hundreds of people, demonstrating that sustainable initiatives within solar projects can also benefit surrounding communities," adds Centelsa by Nexans.

Centelsa by Nexans reaffirms its commitment to the future of solar energy in Colombia, investing in innovation and promoting initiatives that drive the transition toward sustainable electrification for all.

About Nexans

For over a century, Nexans has played a crucial role in the planet's electrification and is committed to electrifying the future. With approximately 28,000 people in 42 countries, the Group is leading the charge toward a new world of electrification: safer, sustainable, renewable, decarbonized, and accessible to everyone. In 2023, Nexans generated 6.5 billion euros in sales.

The Group is a leader in the design and manufacturing of cable systems and services across four main business areas: Power Generation & Transmission, Distribution, Usage, and Industry & Solutions. Nexans was the first company in its industry to create a Foundation supporting sustainable initiatives bringing access to energy to disadvantaged communities worldwide.

The Group is recognized on the CDP Climate Change A List as a global leader in climate action and has committed to achieving Net-Zero emissions by 2050, in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Nexans has been present in Colombia since 2008 and in April 2022 completed the acquisition of the premium Colombian cable manufacturer, CENTELSA, with the firm purpose of continuing to electrify the future of Colombia and Latin America. The Group expects to continue consolidating its value proposition along the electrification chain, reaffirming itself as a strategic partner in the region's energy transition.

 

Press Contact:

Maria Isabel Taborda V
Senior Account Executive - Burson
3176386838
Maria.taborda@bcw-global.com

Luciana Ormeño
Corporate Communication Manager – South America
luciana.ormeno@nexans.com