Energy storage in the Colombian power system

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.

Can pumped hydro storage boost energy flexibility in Colombia?

In Colombia’s case, pumped hydro storage could be the most suitable option to boost flexibility in the existing system. Another possible solution would be to couple the power sector with other energy sectors via “sector coupling” (e.g., power-to-heat, power-to-gas or electric vehicles).

Should Colombia invest in wind power?

Under this optimisation, there are no additional cost-effective investments in wind power or additional transmission capacity. Colombia first engaged with IRENA to assess the flexibility of the electricity mix proposed in the 2015 national expansion plan (UPME, 2015). That plan suggested measures that would achieve reasonably high VRE penetration.

What is UPME & how does it work in Colombia?

The process was formalised by sending an official 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