Colombia. A study carried out by the Jorge Tadeo Lozano University and the Energy Mining Planning Unit (UPME) states that by 2030 the country should consume 30% of clean or non-conventional renewable energies and 70% of traditional sources (hydroelectric and thermal).
Although the first steps have begun to be taken, the challenge is not minor. On March 23, the Ministry of Mines and Energy issued Decree 0570, which establishes the guidelines for contracting long-term renewable energy generation projects that complement the current ones; with which it is expected that this type of initiative will begin to take place.
The UPME has registered 299 projects that would participate in the auction promoted through Decree 0570. of these initiatives, 255 correspond to solar-photovoltaic; 18 to small hydroelectric power plants; 10 to biomass; 8 to solar-thermal initiatives; 6 to wind energy; one to geothermal and one more to hybrid.
Esteban Piedrahita, president of the Cali Chamber of Commerce, said Colombia's commitments in terms of contributing to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions have led to the move of regulation to boost the generation of energy and fuels from non-conventional renewable sources.
"Bioenergy represents a great opportunity for Colombia, specifically in regions such as Valle del Cauca, which with only 2% of the national territory is the main agro-industrial producer in the country."
The initial experience of the sugar producers has allowed other industries such as poultry, pork, forestry and fruit to be structuring projects to promote the energy use of their waste and by-products.
Currently, Valle del Cauca is the leading department in this type of projects, even, its companies have moved to develop similar projects in other regions of the country. For example, Aceites Manuelita and Riopaila Castilla already have a presence in the Eastern Plains in activities based on palm and sugar cane.
