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Colombia, Sin Agua? Widespread hydroelectric development Hydroelectric power generates over 70% of Colombia’s electricity and dams both large and small dot the landscape. Two large, recently constructed dams (El Quimbo on the Magdalena and Hidrosogamoso, which flooded 7,000 hectares of Grand Canyon-like landscape on the Sogamoso River) will supply an additional 16% of demand. The $5.5 billion Hidroituango dam in Antioquia, the largest in the country, and 5th largest in South America, will supply another 25% of Colombia’s energy demand, leading to a surplus of power.Yet, construction is currently underway on a host of other new projects, including several controversial mega-dams that have faced a backlash from affected communities and generated extensive ecological concerns. The topography and climate in Colombia make hydroelectricity very profitable, attracting private producers aiming to export…