Colombia Eyes Bitcoin Mining Hub on Renewable Energy
Colombia‘s President Gustavo Petro has unveiled plans to transform the nation’s Caribbean coast into a Bitcoin (BTC) mining hub powered by renewable energy. The proposal, outlined in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on May 5, aims to utilize the regions untapped solar and wind energy potential to attract investment and drive economic development. Petro pinpointed the coastal cities of Barranquilla, Santa Marta, and Riohacha as key sites for Bitcoin mining facilities. He also suggested that Colombia‘s Wayúu community, the country’s largest Indigenous group, could become co-owners of the initiative. “Its an immense boost to the development of the Caribbean,” Petro stated. Colombia generates 75% of its electricity from renewable sources like hydropower, according to a 2024 World Bank report—more than double the global average. The Caribbean region, in particular, has seen a surge in renewable energy projects, including the $1.7 billion “Connected Caribbean” grid expansion launched in January 2026. This project is expected to unlock up to 6 GW of new renewable capacity, primarily from wind and solar, easing historical grid bottlenecks. Petro‘s proposal reflects a growing trend among emerging markets to capitalize on surplus renewable energy for Bitcoin mining. For instance, Paraguay has leveraged hydroelectric power from its Itaipu dam to