Archives

  • New deputy Minister of Energy

    The government appointed Karen Schutt Esmeral as its new Deputy Minister of Energy, marking a significant leadership change within the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MinEnergia).

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  • Electric car boom

    Sustainable mobility continues to gain traction in Colombia, driven by growing consumer interest in reducing CO₂ emissions, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing urban life quality. This trend has also spurred innovation in the automotive and technology sectors.

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  • Air-e debt crisis

    Colombia’s Minister of Mines and Energy (MinEnergia), Edwin Palma, addressed the severe financial crisis facing the electricity provider Air-e, which operates in the departments of Atlántico, Magdalena, and La Guajira.

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  • GreenYellow appoints New CEO

    GreenYellow Colombia officially announced the appointment of a new CEO.

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  • Tariff tensions rise

    The energy sector in Colombia remains under scrutiny as several companies post electricity rates significantly above the national average.

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  • Higher gas ahead

    Despite recent statements by President Gustavo Petro suggesting that natural gas prices should remain low, Ricardo Roa Barragán, President of Ecopetrol (NYSE: EC), delivered a more sobering message.

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  • Atlántico Governor’s warning

    Eduardo Verano de la Rosa, Governor of the Atlántico department and president of the Caribbean Administrative and Planning Region (RAP Caribe), raised alarm bells over Colombia’s energy security.

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  • Energy subsidy debt

    In a critical move to avert further strain on Colombia’s electricity sector, the national government has pledged to disburse CoP$400B (approx. US$100M) to partially pay off the mounting energy subsidy debt owed to distribution companies.

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    • Energy
    • Apr 17, 2025 12:00 PM

    Latin America electrifies

    Electricity generation in Latin America and the Caribbean rose by 5.5% in 2024 compared to the previous year, driven by increased energy access and growing electrification in industries, according to Andrés Rebolledo, Executive Secretary of the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE).

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  • Energy self consumption

    In southern Colombia, the city of Tumaco closed 2024 by launching a local energy community powered by solar panels. The goal is a fairer energy and social transition. Interestingly, residents there are mirroring steps taken in Guzmán, Spain, where homes, a hotel, and even a blacksmith shop share a collective self-consumption solar system under the motto: “Energy by the people, for the people.”

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  • Tensions escalate

    The tension between the Colombian government and the energy sector continues to rise, as new regulatory measures introduced by the administration of President Gustavo Petro clash with the realities of a strained electrical system.

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  • EVs in Providencia

    As part of Colombia’s commitment to a Just Energy Transition, the national government launched an innovative initiative in Providencia.

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  • Small generators threatened

    Colombia’s renewable energy future could be at risk due to recent regulatory changes that, according to the Center for Renewable Energy and Water Studies (CEERA), are creating uncertainty and discouraging investment, especially for small hydroelectric plants (PCH), independent generators, and other unconventional renewable energy projects.

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  • Wind energy dreams stuck in the doldrums

    Colombia has made significant strides in boosting its unconventional renewable energy capacity, increasing its share of total electric generation from 2% to 10% in just a few years.

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  • Threat to Latin America’s energy sector

    U.S. President Donald Trump's latest tariff moves are sending ripples through Latin America’s energy sector, with potential impacts that range from reduced investments to trade disruptions and volatile oil prices.

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  • Is this the right time?

    For the end of the first quarter of 2025, we updated our XM database which contains the key monthly indicators of power demand and supply.  We have noted previously that the generation matrix was turning back to hydro, no doubt for cost reasons, but perhaps too soon to maintain reservoir levels.

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  • ECP and AES Colombia agreement

    Ecopetrol (NYSE: EC) has taken a significant step in Colombia’s energy transition by signing a Framework Investment Agreement (AMI) with AES Colombia to develop the Jemeiwaa Ka’I wind cluster, a strategic renewable energy project located in La Guajira.

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  • Unlocking La Guajira’s wind potential

    As Colombia races toward its carbon neutrality goals for 2050, the winds of La Guajira remain a tantalizing but largely untapped resource.

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  • Energy crisis demands technical dialogue

    Colombia’s energy and gas sector calls for institutional respect, long-term planning, and financial stability amid mounting pressure from the government.

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  • Renewables empower future

    The global energy sector is undergoing a profound transformation, led by the rapid expansion of renewable energy. This shift is driven by the urgent need for sustainability, the rise of digitalization, the growth of electric mobility, and the emergence of new business models.

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  • Energy producers push back

    The Colombian Association of Electric Power Generators (Acolgen) responded firmly to recent statements by Energy Minister Edwin Palma, who questioned how electricity prices are set in Colombia’s energy exchange.

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  • SSPD scrutinizes Afinia

    Colombia's Superintendence of Public Utilities (SSPD) launched a comprehensive evaluation of Afinia, a subsidiary of Grupo EPM, following the company’s controversial proposal to implement electricity rationing in Caribbean communities with low bill payment rates.

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  • Petro’s proposal to reduce electricity bills

    In a nationally televised cabinet meeting, Colombian President Gustavo Petro unveiled a new proposal aimed at reducing electricity bills—particularly for low-income households—by financing solar panel installations through future budget commitments.

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  • Green light for energy communities

    Colombia has taken a significant step toward a more inclusive and sustainable energy future.

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  • Solar microfarms

    Colombia is facing one of its most severe energy crises in decades. With over 68% of its electricity generation relying on hydropower, the country was hit hard in 2024 when reservoir levels dropped to just below 50% of their capacity.

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  • Future-funded ambitions

    President Gustavo Petro has unveiled an ambitious portfolio of strategic projects to be financed through “vigencias futuras,” a mechanism that allows future government budgets to guarantee funding without disrupting current spending.

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  • XM warning

    Colombia could be heading toward serious energy shortages and even blackouts if it fails to increase its firm energy capacity, according to a stark warning issued by XM, the operator of the country’s National Interconnected System (SIN) and administrator of the wholesale electricity market.

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  • Tariff debt shift

    During a cabinet meeting, Colombian President Gustavo Petro, alongside Minister of Mines and Energy (MinEnergia) Edwin Palma, unveiled measures to restructure the country's energy tariff system to reduce costs.

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  • Energy transition needs clear regulation

    At the Focalizando Córdoba forum hosted by the Caribbean Energy Power Alliance, Hedmer Berrío, Director of Project Construction at Isagen, highlighted critical challenges facing Colombia’s energy sector—particularly in the Caribbean region.

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  • Approval to acquire Windpeshi project

    In a strategic move to diversify its energy portfolio and accelerate its transition toward cleaner energy sources, Ecopetrol (NYSE: EC) received regulatory approval from Colombia’s Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) to acquire the Windpeshi wind power project from Enel Colombia.

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  • Draft regulation to promote white hydrogen

    In a significant move toward diversifying Colombia’s energy matrix, the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MinEnergia) released a draft resolution that will regulate the allocation of areas for the evaluation, exploration, and development of white hydrogen, also known as geological hydrogen.

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  • Subsidy debt reaches CoP$2.9T

    Colombia's public utilities sector is facing a financial crisis as the government delays payments on energy and gas subsidies, warns the National Association of Public Utilities and Communications Companies (Andesco).

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  • Electrification of public transport

    In a recent post on social media platform X, President Gustavo Petro proposed an ambitious national initiative to fully electrify public transportation systems in Colombia’s major cities, with a special focus on Bogotá.

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  • Wind energy dreams

    Colombia took a major step back in its clean energy ambitions with the definitive cancellation of two key wind farms, Alpha and Beta.

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  • “Party’s over”

    In an announcement that sent a jolt through Colombia’s energy sector, President Gustavo Petro said that the government will forcibly intervene in the electricity market, accusing power generators of overcharging and exploiting the system.

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  • La Dorada – Chiriguaná finally awarded and other railway news

    Just as we made our last check for the quarterly roundup of rail transport-related articles, MinTransporte announced a winner for the country’s first PPP (Public Private Partnership) for the core rail line up the Magdalena River.

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  • Air quality commitments

    The Second World Health Organization (WHO) Conference on Air Quality and Health concluded in Cartagena, Colombia, with new global commitments aimed at tackling the harmful impacts of air pollution.

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  • Subsidy system fails

    The effectiveness and transparency of Colombia’s energy subsidies are at risk due to inadequate systems and lack of proper oversight, according to a recent report by the Comptroller General, Carlos Hernán Rodríguez Becerra.

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  • Safeguarding energy investments

    The Colombian Ministry of Mines and Energy (MinEnergía) published a draft resolution proposing transitional guidelines to safeguard investments in electricity generation projects.

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  • Air-e’s debt puts supply at risk

    Energy sector organizations are sounding the alarm over a growing threat to the electricity supply in Colombia’s Caribbean region.

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  • Colombia moves to regulate energy storage systems

    The Colombian government is taking a significant step toward modernizing its energy infrastructure by introducing new regulations to support battery energy storage systems (BESS).

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  • Colombia’s data centers

    As data center demand continues to surge across Latin America, Colombia is emerging as a promising but complex market.

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  • Saab’s Gripen deal

    Swedish aerospace company Saab is leading a major transformation in Colombia’s air defense capabilities with the proposed replacement of its aging fleet of Kfir fighter jets. But beyond the defense aspect, Saab’s offer includes a powerful promise: to turn a billion-dollar military deal into a long-term driver of sustainable development through industrial cooperation and a robust offset program.

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  • Forum on regional energy development

    The city of Montería became the stage for an important national conversation about Colombia’s energy future.

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  • Interventionist signals hinder investment

    Competition in both generation and commercialization led to the establishment of a regulatory framework that attracted foreign capital, further strengthening the SIN. However, in recent years, the electric sector has been experiencing one of its most uncertain periods.

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  • Collapse of largest wind energy project

    In Puerto Brisa, La Guajira, what was once envisioned as Colombia’s most ambitious wind energy project now lies in ruins.

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  • Chec’s solar programs

    Martha Libia Castaño, who became the new manager in August of last year. Chec is a subsidiary of EPM Group.

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  • Companies drive clean energy

    In Antioquia, several companies are betting on clean energy to contribute to environmental sustainability and enhance their operational efficiency.

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  • Orquídea solar park

    The National Authority of Environmental Licenses (ANLA) granted environmental approval to the 200-megawatt La Orquídea Solar Park, developed by La Orquidea Solar.

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  • Scarcity price adjustment proposal

    The Colombian Ministry of Mines and Energy (MinEnergia) announced that the Energy and Gas Regulatory Commission (CREG) decided to shelve the resolution proposing a lower scarcity price adjustment, setting it at CoP$540/kWh (CREG 701 080 of 2025).

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  • Afinia announces power rationing

    Energy company Afinia, which operates across several departments in Colombia’s Caribbean region, has announced planned power rationing due to low revenue collection and significant financial losses.

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  • GEB approves dividend distribution

    The General Assembly of Grupo Energía Bogotá (GEB) approved the distribution of a total of CoP$2.1T to the company’s shareholders in 2025.

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  • Celsia’s investment plan

    Colombian electricity generator Celsia announced its investment plan for this year.

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  • Leadership overhaul at MinEnergia

    The arrival of Edwin Palma as Colombia’s new Minister of Mines and Energy (MinEnergia) has triggered a massive reshuffle within the ministry and its affiliated entities. While changes were expected, the scale of the shake-up has surpassed initial predictions.

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  • Diesel bus replacement

    Colombian President Gustavo Petro proposed a plan for the national government to purchase diesel buses from major cities, including Bogotá, through financial mechanisms known as Confis.

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  • All that rain. So little change in reservoirs

    In Bogotá, we seem to get a tropical downpour every afternoon. At various times, rural areas have been isolated by landslides caused by saturated earth. But you have to squint at the above graph to see an increase in reservoir levels right at the far right hand side of the chart, something from the last few days, and so maybe a blip. Why?

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  • Colombia’s blackout risk?

    Natalia Gutiérrez, President of Acolgen, recently addressed concerns about Colombia’s energy security and the looming risk of a blackout.

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  • Mitsubishi’s energy expansion

    At the Colombia Energy Transition Summit 2025, Ismael Campillo, Sales Director for South America at Mitsubishi Power Aero, outlined the company’s vision for the future of energy generation in Colombia and its strategies to support the diversification of the country's energy matrix.

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  • Celsia shareholders meeting

    Celsia held its General Shareholders' Meeting at Plaza Mayor Medellín. During the meeting, the company shared updates on its business segments, growth strategy, and the underlying value of its shares based on recent evaluations.

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  • Petro proposes a global Marshall plan

    Colombian President Gustavo Petro has proposed a sweeping global initiative, likening it to a Marshall Plan, aimed at addressing climate change through the reduction of global debt.

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  • Ecopetrol eyes wind expansion

    Colombia’s state-owned energy giant, Ecopetrol (NYSE: EC), is exploring investments in renewable energy, particularly wind projects, to enhance its energy matrix and reduce reliance on traditional energy sources.

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  • Fitch see rising energy costs

    Colombia may face escalating energy costs in the coming years due to a growing natural gas deficit and increasing reliance on imported gas, according to Fitch Ratings. This shift has become necessary to meet rising demand as domestic gas production continues to decline.

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  • ISA’s general assembly

    The General Assembly of Interconexión Eléctrica S.A. (ISA) took place last week in Medellín, commencing without the attendance of Ricardo Roa and two other board members nominated by Ecopetrol: David Riaño and Fabiola Leal.

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  • Tariff surcharge proposal sparks controversy

    The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MinEnergia) is pushing forward a proposal to make higher socioeconomic strata (4, 5, and 6), along with commercial and industrial users, shoulder the financial burden of the tariff option debt, estimated at CoP$3.1T. This initiative, outlined in a draft bill, aims to amend Law 142 of 1994, which governs Public Utilities in Colombia.

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  • Colombia leads EV sales in Latin America

    Brazil, Colombia and Mexico led the sales of sustainable vehicles in Latin America between January and February. A recent report by Aconauto highlights the increasing adoption of cleaner technologies, such as electric mobility, in these countries.

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  • Funding for largest solar project

    Patria Investments, a leading Latin American alternative asset manager, secured financing to develop and construct Colombia’s largest solar energy project.

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  • Eco-friendly refrigeration system

    La Fazenda, one of Colombia’s largest agro-industrial companies, partnered with GreenYellow to implement a cutting-edge, energy-efficient refrigeration system. This project, located in Puerto Gaitán, Meta, allows La Fazenda to expand its pork production while minimizing environmental impact.

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  • Second Phase of Hidroituango

    The General Manager of Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM), John Maya Salazar, provided new details about the second phase of the Hidroituango project during the Colombia Genera Congress organized by ANDI. This phase includes turbines 5, 6, 7, and 8 of the energy asset.

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  • EPM on debt payments

    CEO John Maya Salazar addressed the critical situation of its subsidiary, Afinia, which has been operating in Colombia’s Caribbean region since 2020.

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  • Afinia workers appeal

    Workers from Afinia's Bolívar, Sucre, Córdoba, and César branches have sent a letter to the new Minister of Mines and Energy (MinEnergia), Edwin Palma, expressing their support for his appointment and urging him to consider their previous request, which was also submitted to his predecessor, Andrés Camacho, and relevant oversight agencies.

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  • Solar energy delays

    The global energy sector has seen exponential growth, with solar energy emerging as one of the most rapidly advancing technologies. Colombia is no exception to this trend, as the country has gradually expanded its energy industry.

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  • Energy auction challenges

    The announcement by Colombia’s Minister of Mines and Energy (MinEnergia), Edwin Palma, regarding a new expansion auction has been well received by the energy sector.

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  • Renewable fertilization breakthrough

    Colombia continues to advance in agricultural innovation with the inauguration of Latin America's first renewable energy-powered fertilizing system in Yopal, Casanare.

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  • Air-e boosts energy transition

    Intervened energy company Air-e has announced strategic initiatives to foster a more sustainable and technologically advanced future by promoting energy transition through renewable energy sources and innovative tools.

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  • New reliability charge expansion auction

    The Energy and Gas Regulatory Commission (CREG) published Resolution CREG 701 085, officially launching the process for a new reliability charge expansion auction.

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  • The pendulum

    This decade has demonstrated how “science” swings with “politics”. For the first half, anthropogenic climate change increased temperatures and a global consensus drove energy transition. Since Monday, January 20th of this year, all that has changed. What will happen in Colombia on August 7th 2026?

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  • First task for Vélez

    The newly appointed director of the National Agency of Environmental Licenses (ANLA), Irene Vélez, received her first assignment from President Gustavo Petro: to push forward the stalled wind farm projects in La Guajira.

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  • Army solar project

    In a significant step towards sustainability, Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM) has inaugurated the first solar energy project for the Colombian National Army.

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  • SuperServicios calls for solidarity

    The Superintendence of Public Utilities (SuperServicios) called upon major energy-generating companies to supply electricity to Air-e under the principle of solidarity.

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  • CREG on tariff reduction

    During the third Planning Conference of the Association of New Energies and Hydrogen of the Caribbean, held in Barranquilla, Fanny Guerrero, an expert commissioner from the Energy and Gas Regulatory Commission (CREG), highlighted the reduction in Air-e’s electricity tariffs, which have now aligned with the national average.

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  • EDP Renewables on environmental license

    EDP Renewables, the company behind Colombia’s largest planned wind farms, Alpha and Beta, expressed dissatisfaction with the environmental license granted by the National Environmental Licensing Authority (ANLA) for the transmission line needed to connect these projects to the grid.

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  • Palma proposes national dialogue

    Colombia’s Minister of Mines and Energy (MinEnergia), Edwin Palma, called for a nationwide dialogue to address key issues in the country’s energy sector, including the transition to sustainable energy, electricity security, and lowering energy tariffs.

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  • Tariff debt shift

    Colombia’s Minister of Mines and Energy (MinEnergia), Edwin Palma, sparked controversy with a new proposal regarding the country’s energy tariff debt, a financial burden that originated during the COVID-19 pandemic and has put energy companies under significant strain.

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  • New Energy Director

    Víctor Paternina officially assumed the role of Energy Director for Colombia, taking on the challenge of leading key initiatives in the country’s electricity sector.

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  • EPM 2024 financial results

    EPM reported record-breaking financial results for 2024, showcasing significant growth across the company and its broader corporate group.

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  • New Director of ANLA

    In a significant shift within Colombia’s environmental sector, Rodrigo Negrete has stepped down as director of the National Environmental Licensing Agency (ANLA) after more than two years in the role.

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  • New energy expansion auction

    Colombia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Edwin Palma, announced at the Colombia Genera Congress organized by ANDI that the National Government and the Energy and Gas Regulation Commission (CREG) are advancing a process to launch a new energy auction in the country.

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  • Biogas energy

    Barranquilla continues to position itself as a leader in sustainable energy projects. One of the city's most ambitious initiatives is the largest self-generation energy plant in Colombia, powered by biogas.

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  • Environmental license granted for wind farms

    The National Authority of Environmental Licenses (ANLA) approved the construction of a transmission line to connect the Alpha and Beta wind farms of EDP Renewables to Colombia’s national power grid.

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  • Fitch energy outlook

    Fitch Ratings has reshuffled the corporate energy landscape in Colombia.

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  • Energy projects delayed

    Enel Colombia raised concerns over significant delays in key energy infrastructure projects, which threaten its ability to meet demand for users, including residential, official, commercial, and industrial sectors.

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  • Temporary rules for energy project connection

    The Energy and Gas Regulatory Commission (CREG) released two draft resolutions for public consultation.

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  • Caribbean energy expansion

    The Caribbean Regional Administrative and Planning Entity (RAP Caribe) and the Caribbean Association of New Energies and Hydrogen have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance the development of a management model that harnesses the region’s solar and wind energy potential for integration into the national energy system.

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  • Government to start paying energy subsidy debts

    Following a working session convened by the Comptroller General Office due to the financial crisis faced by electricity companies, Finance Minister Diego Guevara committed to paying CoP$800B toward energy subsidy debts.

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  • Carbon credit market

    Agro-industrial group Riopaila Castilla announced its entry into the carbon credit market, marking a significant milestone in environmental conservation.

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  • The shifting matrix allows electricity prices to fall

    The good news is that wholesale electricity prices continue to fall. The bad news is that maybe it still isn’t raining enough. We can explain.

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  • GEB 2024 results

    Grupo Energía Bogotá (GEB) concluded 2024 with outstanding financial and operational results, despite facing adverse climatic conditions and regulatory challenges in its operating markets.

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  • Colombia has sufficient energy supply

    Edwin Palma, Colombia's Minister of Mines and Energy (MinEnergia), dismissed concerns about potential blackouts, assuring that the country has enough energy supply to prevent rationing.

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  • ISA’s 2040 strategy

    ISA is set to unveil its 2040 Strategy, a roadmap that will reshape its investment focus over the next 15 years.

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  • Challenges of Colombia’s energy transition

    Colombia’s energy transition has made significant progress in recent years. In 2024, the country quadrupled its renewable energy capacity, reaching 1.8 gigawatts (GW), approximately 10% of national electricity production. However, despite these advancements, the transition still faces major challenges that cast uncertainty over its future.

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