USAID supports the Government of Colombia to deliver cleaner, more affordable, and more reliable electricity to homes and businesses, while creating social and economic opportunities for Indigenous Communities.

Renewable energy can increase private investment, economic growth, jobs, and access to clean, reliable, and affordable electricity. USAID supports the Government of Colombia’s efforts to ensure that the traditionally marginalized groups in Colombia also benefit from renewable energy.

Empowering Indigeneous Communities by Supporting Colombia’s Just and Inclusive Transition

The clean energy transition significantly impacts workers, women, rural communities, indigenous lands, and marginalized groups that have traditionally been less likely to be consulted and informed on projects or to have their voices heard.

Located deep in the La Guajira desert, straddling the Venezuela-Colombia border, is a traditional indigenous community who are known as the people of the sun, sand and wind – the Wayúu people.

USAID is working with the Government of Colombia’s National Training Service to provide young people in Indigenous Wayúu communities with vocational training and opportunities to work in the renewable energy economy.

At the completion of the training, these young Wayúu leaders will be prepared with the skills to help build and manage the future fleet of renewable energy projects.

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Colombia’s Clean Energy Future

USAID is helping Colombia diversify its energy mix with renewable energy while making its grid more resilient to climate change, lowering electricity costs, creating local jobs, and promoting gender equality in the energy sector.

Colombia

Colombia is a middle-income country and one of the oldest democracies in Latin America. However, it has endured nearly half a century of intense armed conflict, perpetuated by widespread illegal drug production and trafficking.

Scaling Up Renewable Energy (SURE)

GLOBAL, 2017–ONGOING – Through the SURE program, USAID helps partner countries power economies, meet international climate commitments, and strengthen energy security via private investment in, and competitive procurement of, clean electricity.