Colombia Turns Invasive Gorse Into a Potential Source of Energy

Colombia is exploring a novel approach to combat the invasive gorse plant, which threatens high-Andean ecosystems. Universidad de los Andes in Bogota is collaborating on a pilot project led by Alejandro Nunez and Ivan Hernandez to transform gorse into biomass pellets for thermal energy. Nunez, who grew up with gorse invasion on his family's property, has turned his personal experience into a research opportunity.

The invasive plant, native to Western Europe, is highly competitive and can displace native and cultivated plants, form dense thickets, and create significant fire hazards. Colombia's Regional Autonomous Corporation of Cundinamarca estimates that about 1,100 hectares within its jurisdiction have gorse. The plant is also difficult to eliminate due to its long-lived seeds.

Authorities are currently removing gorse, and in the 2026 Paramo Grande operation, they removed over 25,000 kilograms of the plant. The shredded gorse was then processed into biomass pellets for potential use in thermal energy systems. The pilot aims to convert this waste material into a usable fuel, destroying the reproductive material during processing to prevent further spread.

While the project is still in its early stages, it builds on previous research indicating that gorse has a high potential as a solid fuel with a calorific value similar to coal. However, regulatory guidelines in Colombia still prioritize the control and eradication of the invasive species.