A hydropower system in Colombia that withstands El Nino: minister

BOGOTA – Colombo’s mines and energy minister Tomas Gonzalez have announced that the country has a hydropower system meant to withstand the El Nino weather phenomenon.

The Andean country, which generates 70 % of its energy at hydro-electric plants, has in the past had to ration electricity because of climate conditions.

“The reservoir levels are at around 70 %, we have enough water to generate what Colombia needs,” Gonzalez told journalists. “We are prepared.”

The El Nino phenomena will extend into the beginning of next year, the country’s climate institute has said. (Reporting by Luis Jaime Acosta; Writing by Julia Symmes Cobb; Editing by David Gregorio)