Conflict and resistance: Unveiling the hidden costs of small hydropower in an armed conflict-affected region of Antioquia, Colombia

This study critically examines the socio-environmental conflict surrounding the Churimo Small Hydropower Station (SHPS) in Antioquia, Colombia, within the context of the region's armed conflict legacy. The Churimo project, while contributing to Colombia's renewable energy goals, has faced intense resistance from local communities due to ecological, cultural, and socio-political concerns. Utilizing an energy justice framework, we conducted in-depth interviews, analyzed public hearing records, and reviewed media coverage to uncover the multidimensional factors fueling opposition. The findings highlight six primary drivers of resistance: ecological impacts on the Churimo River, procedural injustices in stakeholder engagement, informational transparency deficits, adverse effects on local tourism, historical grievances related to hydropower development, and unresolved land restitution issues exacerbated by the region's violent past. The study reveals how these factors, compounded by a history of armed conflict, have intensified opposition and hindered the project's social legitimacy. We argue that achieving a just energy transition in Colombia requires addressing both the immediate and historical injustices faced by affected communities, ensuring that energy projects do not perpetuate existing vulnerabilities.