Colombia’s Caribbean coast faces a troubling paradox: thousands of families have access to electricity, yet most do not pay for it. In so-called “electrically illegal” neighborhoods, informal settlements recognized by law since 2003 for their precarious conditions, the regional utility Afinia collects only about 5% of their monthly billing, translating into annual losses exceeding CoP$300B.
Read moreRenewable energy, private-sector alliances, and workforce development have become the driving forces behind Barranquilla and Atlántico’s transformation into one of Colombia’s most dynamic regions.
Read moreMeeting Colombia’s ambitious energy and decarbonization goals will demand more than policy, it will require technology, innovation, and partnership.
Read moreDuring the 54th National Coal Festival held in Barrancas, La Guajira, between October 9 and 12, the festivities went far beyond traditional music, culture, and religious celebrations. The event also became a stage for deep reflection on the future of Colombia’s coal-dependent regions.
Read moreIn the rural heart of Tierralta, Córdoba, the University of Córdoba has achieved a milestone in sustainable innovation: the construction of a biomass gasification plant that converts agricultural waste into clean electricity.
Read moreThe Colombian Caribbean, long hailed for its vast solar and wind potential, is fast becoming the country’s renewable energy frontier.
Read moreThe current strain on Colombia’s energy system may end up transforming how companies consume power. That’s the view of Juan Pablo Rojas, founder and CEO of Vértebra Soluciones, a Colombian company that helps organizations cut utility costs through data-driven energy management and efficiency tools.
Read moreGlobal infrastructure leader Panduit has introduced its Fault Managed Power System (FMPS) to Colombia, a groundbreaking electrical distribution technology designed to modernize how energy is delivered, managed, and secured across industries.
Read moreThe Ministry of Mines and Energy (MinEnergia) is preparing a landmark resolution to replace wood- and coal-burning stoves across Colombia with clean energy alternatives powered by natural gas and solar energy, a move that blends the country’s social justice agenda with its energy transition goals.
Read moreColombia has approved a historic CoP$8.3T investment plan to install solar panels in low-income households, marking the country’s most ambitious renewable energy initiative to date.
Read moreGrupo Energía Bogotá (GEB) has returned to international markets with a US$500M bond issuance, marking its first external transaction since November 2023 and reinforcing investor confidence in one of Latin America’s leading energy conglomerates.
Read moreSomewhere in the various newsletters I subscribe to I read a review of “More and More and More” by Jean-Baptiste Fressoz. I’m pretty sure it was The Economist from last November. Certainly, The Economist’s title would have caught my attention “Energy transition” has been profoundly misunderstood. I finally got around to reading the book.
Read moreColombia has taken a decisive step toward a modern, interoperable electric mobility system.
Read moreIn the first half of 2025, Enel Colombia transferred nearly CoP$2.7B to the departments of Atlántico and Cesar as part of the country’s electric sector transfers for solar energy generation in 2024. The funds, mandated by national law, are intended for public investment projects in infrastructure, utilities, and basic sanitation.
Read moreColombia’s Mining and Energy Planning Unit (UPME) has opened a new call for proposals to design, build, operate, and maintain a 110-kilovolt (kV) transmission line connecting the Urrá, Tierralta, and Río Sinú substations in the department of Córdoba.
Read moreDespite Colombia’s growing momentum toward sustainability, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) continue to view it as an expense rather than an opportunity. This perception gap, experts warned, risks slowing the country’s progress toward a more circular and resilient economy.
Read moreColombia will need CoP$10T (US$2.4B) in annual investment to meet its growing energy demands, according to former Mines and Energy Minister (MinEnergia) Amylkar Acosta, who warned that the country’s infrastructure must urgently adapt to the twin challenges of artificial intelligence and energy transition.
Read moreEcopetrol (NYSE: EC) has taken another step toward its decarbonization goals with the launch of its first rooftop solar system at the Colombian Institute of Petroleum and Energy for the Transition (Icpet) in Piedecuesta, Santander.
Read moreCryptocurrency mining company Cryptogranjas is targeting Latin America as a major expansion zone, selecting four countries for operational growth based on their energy-infrastructure advantages.
Read moreGrupo Energía Bogotá (GEB) CEO Juan Ricardo Ortega warned that Colombia could face an emerging energy crisis if the expansion of its infrastructure remains stalled.
Read moreColombia’s new energy reform bill, recently introduced in Congress by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, has sparked deep concern among industry leaders.
Read moreColombia’s electricity system is heading toward a breaking point that could trigger nationwide power shortages, or even a blackout, by 2027, unless urgent action is taken to expand generation, storage, and transmission capacity.
Read moreChinese tech giant Huawei is forecasting an energy boom in Colombia over the next three years, driven by the rapid adoption of renewable energy systems and large-scale energy storage technologies in the commercial and industrial sectors.
Read moreColombia’s mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market is showing renewed strength in 2025, with the renewable energy sector in the vanguard.
Read moreColombia’s much-anticipated Offshore Wind Round ended with a whimper rather than a roar.
Read moreEnergy mega batteries, or Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) have become the new backbone of the global power grid. These massive installations store surplus solar and wind energy produced during the day and release it during peak hours, ensuring stability in increasingly renewable-dependent systems.
Read moreAfter months of uncertainty and delay, Colombia’s long-awaited Energy Tariff Law, officially titled “Fair Regulation and Democratization of the Energy Sector,” was introduced to Congress on October 21 by Mines and Energy Minister (MinEnergia) Edwin Palma.
Read moreThe District of Barranquilla and the Government of Atlántico have presented a joint proposal for Triple A, the region’s main water and sewage utility, to assume the operation of the electric power service in the department.
Read moreColombia’s electric mobility revolution is moving faster than ever, but the country’s charging infrastructure is struggling to keep up.
Read moreColombia has taken a major step toward industrial decarbonization with the announcement of its first electric bus assembly plant, a joint initiative between the Ministry of Transport, Hino, BYD, and Superpolo.
Read moreThe Energy and Gas Regulation Commission (CREG) approved two temporary measures aimed at increasing the operational flexibility of Colombia’s National Interconnected System (SIN), particularly in the Caribbean region, where the country faces its most significant electricity constraints.
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Against the principles of the Colombian government’s energy transition strategy, the percentage of Non-Renewable power has been increasing in the past couple of months. (Brown area in the lead graph.) Why?
Read moreColombia’s path toward clean energy remains uncertain. While the country has signaled its intent to transition to renewables, experts warned that progress has been slow compared to other nations in the region.
Read moreColombia has taken another major step toward its energy transition with the inauguration of the Cuestecitas–Copey–Fundación Interconnection, a new high-voltage transmission line that formally connects La Guajira to the National Interconnected System (SIN).
Read moreThe Administrative Tribunal of Antioquia has ruled against Air-e S.A.S. and the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MinEnergia), declaring void three key resolutions that shielded the troubled Caribbean power distributor from paying its massive debts to the national electricity market.
Read moreColombia is emerging as one of Latin America’s leaders in electric vehicle (EV) sales, yet its charging infrastructure has long lagged demand. That issue, however, is beginning to change.
Read moreThe administration of President Gustavo Petro has issued Decree 1091 of 2025, setting out a new framework for long-term energy contracting in Colombia.
Read moreThe Colombian government has issued a new decree aimed at stabilizing electricity tariffs and limiting energy costs for households amid rising price volatility and climatic pressures such as the El Niño phenomenon.
Read moreColombia’s electricity sector is facing a new rift between the government and energy producers after the Colombian Association of Electric Power Generators (Acolgen) denounced the recently issued Decree 1072 of 2025, which forces hydroelectric companies to contract at least 95% of their generation through long-term agreements rather than selling freely on the energy exchange.
Read moreAfter several days of maintenance and a brief technical setback, Sociedad Portuaria El Cayao (SPEC LNG) announced the full restoration of regasification operations at its Cartagena terminal, confirming that natural gas supply to the National Transportation System (SNT) has returned to normal.
Read moreColombia has taken a decisive step in its clean energy transition with the creation of the Optimized Design Solar Environmental License (LASolar), a new regulatory framework that streamlines environmental approvals for solar projects between 10 and 100 megawatts (MW).
Read moreColombia has just taken a major step toward a cleaner energy future. EDF Power Solutions and Refocosta have inaugurated Refoenergy Villanueva, the country’s largest wood-biomass power plant, a facility that will provide renewable, low-carbon energy to the national grid while fostering sustainable rural development.
Read moreBarranquilla has officially joined Colombia’s race to harness offshore wind energy.
Read moreColombia’s Ministry of Finance (MinHacienda) authorized Interconexión Eléctrica S.A. (ISA) to manage internal public debt operations with its subsidiary Transelca, through two separate resolutions issued on October 7, 2025.
Read moreThe Colombian government is moving forward with plans to update the national electricity pricing formula, aiming to ensure greater fairness and stability in tariffs across the country.
Read moreThe Colombian government announced new measures to ensure the country’s energy stability following the extended maintenance of the SPEC regasification terminal, a key facility for supplying natural gas to the national grid, particularly in the Caribbean 2 region.
Read moreColombian President Gustavo Petro publicly criticized Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM), alleging a failure to provide potable water to several neighborhoods in Medellín.
Read moreDespite recent optimism from the government, Colombia remains far from meeting the core requirements to become a full member of the International Energy Agency (IEA), one of the world’s most influential energy organizations.
Read moreColombia and the European Union (EU) reaffirmed their strategic partnership this week during the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, in a high-level meeting between President Gustavo Petro and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Read moreThe Mining and Energy Planning Unit (UPME) authorized 45 generation, self-generation, and cogeneration projects across Colombia to temporarily deliver surplus energy to the National Interconnected System (SIN).
Read moreThe Ministry of Mines and Energy (MinEnergia) commended the operational efficiency of Afinia, following a supervisory visit to the company’s Control Center over the weekend.
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In this quarter’s wrap up of public-transport-related news, we discuss commuter projects in Bogotá, Medellín and Cali. We also talk about financing at the regional, national and Latin America levels.
Read moreDuring his official visit to Europe, Colombian President Gustavo Petro met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, calling for greater European investment in South America, particularly to accelerate the development of clean energy projects across the region.
Read moreColombia’s Mining and Energy Planning Unit (UPME) unveiled a detailed roadmap to connect offshore wind projects to the national grid within three years, through Circular 070, marking a decisive step in the country’s offshore wind development strategy.
Read moreFormer Environment Minister Carlos Eduardo Correa Escaf is calling for a radical rethink of how Colombia’s Caribbean region powers its future, urging cities like Barranquilla, Cartagena, and Riohacha to turn their abundant sunlight into economic strength through local energy independence.
Read moreIn a landmark move for regional cooperation, Colombia and Chile signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen energy integration and accelerate the transition toward clean and sustainable energy sources across Latin America.
Read moreColombia’s first offshore wind auction, officially launched during COP-28 in 2023, has entered its defining stage after nearly two years of regulatory fine-tuning and technical adjustments.
Read moreAfter weeks of public criticism from President Gustavo Petro, energy system operator XM released the results of an independent audit showing no regulatory breaches during 2022 and 2023.
Read moreColombia’s National Disaster Risk Management Unit (UNGRD) announced that the country’s flagship hydroelectric project, Hidroituango, will be a focal point in this year’s National Emergency Drill, set for October 22.
Read moreColombia’s energy sector is sounding the alarm: without rapid action, the country could face power shortages and rolling blackouts by 2026.
Read moreThe Caribbean coast of Colombia faces a growing risk of gas rationing as thermal power plants in the region have secured only 35% of the gas needed to operate during the scheduled maintenance of the SPEC regasification terminal in Cartagena, set for October 10–14.
Read moreColombia’s Mining and Energy Planning Unit (UPME) has issued a new resolution expanding the range of goods and services eligible for tax incentives under Laws 1715 of 2014 and 2099 of 2021, in a move designed to attract more private investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and hydrogen projects.
Read moreColombia’s Senate is moving forward with a bill to fast-track environmental licensing for clean energy projects, a reform that could redefine how the country balances environmental protection with its energy transition goals.
Read moreCartagena Mayor Dumek Turbay called on the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MinEnergia) to urgently review the performance of utility company Afinia, after a damaged transformer left the Barú community without electricity, sparking protests and stranding tourists at Playa Blanca for several hours.
Read moreColombia has taken a major step forward in its energy transition after the National Environmental Licensing Authority (ANLA) approved the environmental modification and integration for the Camelias Wind Park, developed by Celsia Colombia S.A. E.S.P.
Read moreEleven major infrastructure projects, meant to boost Colombia’s productivity, competitiveness, and regional integration, are waiting for more than CoP$40T in funding to move forward.
Read moreCelsia and Brookfield have officially launched Atera, a new company dedicated to providing integrated energy-efficiency solutions for industries and businesses across Latin America.
Read moreA dispute has erupted on Colombia’s Caribbean coast over whether electricity tariffs charged by Air-e, the utility serving Atlántico, Magdalena, and La Guajira, have dropped.
Read moreColombia has secured fresh momentum for its energy transition with a US$138.5M credit line from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), signed through the National Development Finance Agency (FDN).
Read moreColombia has taken a major regulatory leap to accelerate its energy transition with the issuance of Decree 1033 of 2025, creating the Optimized Solar Environmental License (LASolar), a new framework designed to streamline environmental permitting for solar projects between 10 and 100 megawatts (MW).
Read moreIn a proud moment for Colombia’s Caribbean region, the department of Sucre has been honored in Chile with the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE) Award for Energy Excellence, recognizing it as one of the continent’s most outstanding projects in clean energy, sustainability, and social impact.
Read moreI recently attended the annual ENERCOL conference, put on by ACIEM, the Colombian association of electrical engineers. The two days were packed with information and interesting presentations, too dense to cover completely. Here, I will talk about the serious challenges the speakers identified and my views on perhaps the most difficult barrier to their resolution.
Read moreColombia’s Energy and Gas Regulation Commission (CREG) issued Resolution 101 082 of 2025, introducing new rules for how state-intervened power companies can directly contract energy.
Read moreThe Petro administration is touting a 25% drop in electricity tariffs across Colombia’s Caribbean coast, one year after the Superintendent of Public Services (SuperServicios) took control of power distributor Air-e.
Read moreIn a remarkable scientific development, researchers in China have unveiled a solar-powered system capable of producing green hydrogen directly from moisture in the air, no external water or electricity required.
Read moreA quiet afternoon in Villa Rosa turned deadly when Víctor Manuel Bolaños Jiménez, a 61-year-old electrician, was shot and killed while sitting outside his home solving a crossword puzzle.
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Colombia’s fast-growing market for low- and zero-emission vehicles is facing a major setback after the expiration of a key trade agreement with Brazil, a change that could soon push up prices for some of the country’s best-selling hybrid models.
Read moreColombia’s electric grid is entering dangerous territory. Despite mounting demand, less than 2% of the new generation capacity expected for 2025 has come online, fueling concerns of potential power rationing in the coming years.
Read moreThe Colombian government has intensified its dispute with the power sector over soaring electricity prices, accusing hydroelectric companies of speculation despite high water levels and a recently updated pricing formula from the Energy and Gas Regulation Commission (CREG).
Read moreThe Colombian Caribbean is cementing its role as the country’s clean energy powerhouse, leading the expansion of solar and wind projects that are reshaping the national energy mix.
Read moreColombia faces a critical energy dilemma as declining hydrocarbon output, delays in power generation projects, and mounting fiscal pressures converge to threaten energy affordability, investment, and national competitiveness.
Read moreColombia’s Superintendent of Public Services (Superservicios) announced special oversight of power generators in the National Interconnected System (SIN) following concerns over rising wholesale electricity prices despite high hydrological availability.
Read moreThe electricity tariff charged by Air-e fell to CoP$795.93 per kilowatt-hour in October, nearly CoP$90 less than in September and more than CoP$140 below July’s peak.
Read moreColombia’s auto market posted strong growth in September 2025, with 24,894 new vehicle registrations, a 45.2% year-on-year increase. The surge was driven by cleaner technologies, as hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) sales jumped from 118 units in September 2024 to 706 this year, a staggering 498% increase.
Read moreColombia’s efforts to expand its electricity supply are being hampered by mounting bottlenecks in transmission infrastructure, regulation, and social licensing, raising concerns over the country’s ability to meet rapidly growing demand.
Read moreCelsia, the energy company of Grupo Argos, unveiled its 2025 Investor Day strategy in Medellín with an ambitious target: doubling its fundamental value by 2030. The company outlined a roadmap centered on renewable generation, asset management growth, and regional expansion.
Read moreColombia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy (MinEnergia) will launch a regulatory review aimed at cutting gas transportation costs by up to 50% on routes such as Bogotá–Cartagena, Minister Edwin Palma announced during a visit to Cesar.
Read moreEmpresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM) announced that it has invested more than CoP$600B in 2025 to modernize, expand, and build new aqueduct and sewage infrastructure across Antioquia.
Read moreColombia is steadily expanding its solar and wind energy projects, with the Caribbean emerging as a natural hub thanks to its strong winds and high solar radiation. The region has the potential not only to supply the country’s energy demand but also to generate surplus for export.
Read moreColombia’s energy sector is sounding alarms over the risk of shortages and rationing from 2026 unless new capacity is urgently added. With demand steadily climbing and projects entering service far below expectations, industry leaders argue that the new expansion auction announced by the Energy and Gas Regulatory Commission (CREG) will be pivotal.
Read moreAt the XXII Colombian Oil, Gas, and Energy Congress, technology company ABB presented a portfolio of innovations aimed at supporting Colombia’s energy transition.
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With so much bad news coming out of the Petro government and elections looming, ministers are no doubt encouraged to come out with “good news” press releases. MinEnergia Edwin Palma announced “The country achieved 13.7% in clean energy”, referencing September 2025. We couldn’t reproduce that number. But the real story is not a bad one either.
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