energy
May 9, 2026
Afinia's Shadow
As of April 2026, Atlántico leads solar energy in Colombia with nearly 1005 MW. Tolima follows with approximately 470 MW. In contrast, Bolívar lags far behind with only 77 MW, ranking 11th in the country. How can this be explained, given that Bolívar is next to Atlántico, has good sun, growing demand, and is almost eight times larger?
TL;DR
- Atlântico leads Colombia in solar energy with 1005 MW as of April 2026, while Bolívar only has 77 MW.
- Developers in Bolívar faced a lengthy and complex approval process with Afinia and UPME for solar projects under 10 MW.
- Afinia initially provided favorable technical concepts and connection viabilities, but UPME subsequently denied these projects.
- A 2025 resolution aimed to shift responsibility for projects under 10 MW to local operators like Afinia, but Afinia refused to honor previous approvals, demanding projects restart.
- Developers are seeking legal certainty, legitimate confidence, and technical coherence, questioning why previous technical approvals are being disregarded.
- Bolívar's slow progress in solar energy is seen as an alarm, with calls for Afinia, the mayor of Cartagena, and the governor of Bolívar to act.