2024-03-23 04:52:38
The persistent El Niño phenomenon has kept experts and authorities in Colombia in suspense, and now the reservoirs are at the center of the discussion due to their critical level. According to the most recent data from XM, as of March 18, the level stood at a worrying 35.74%, showing a continued decline that worries analysts.
Sergio Cabrales, a professor at the University of Los Andes, warned about this situation: «The level of the reservoirs that feed the hydroelectric plants does not stop falling. Currently, they are at a level of 35%.
Despite this downward trend, Julio César Vera, president of Xua Energy, pointed out that the alert level, which is set at approximately 27% according to regulations, has not yet been reached. However, he warned that with the daily decrease in the level of between 0.4% and 0.5%, they could reach that critical point by the end of the month.
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For his part, Adrián Correa, director of the Mining and Energy Planning Unit, assured in a radio interview with La W that, for the moment, there is no imminent risk to satisfy energy demand. Even in more adverse scenarios related to El Niño, he affirmed that the country is prepared to face them and cover energy demand.
However, when looking at the regional panorama, worrying levels are observed in several regions of the country. Camila Orbegozo, director of sector analysis and sustainability at Corficolombiana, highlighted that the location of the reservoirs does not necessarily correspond to the distribution of energy, since this is carried out through national networks.
Analysts like Cabrales also specifically point to certain hydroelectric plants with very low levels, such as Guavio with 10.3%, Ituango with 9.9%, Chivor with 23.1% and Sogamoso with 28.5%.
To counteract this situation, Julio César Vera explained that thermal generation with gas and coal has been essential, representing 38.5% of the country’s daily generation. Although this option is more expensive, it ensures that the energy supply is not compromised.
As Colombia faces the challenges of a prolonged El Niño, constant monitoring of reservoir levels and implementing measures to mitigate the effects become crucial to ensuring energy supplies in the country.
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