Colombia's National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH) has announced a significant investment of more than $135 million in renewable energy options as the country seeks to transition to cleaner energy sources. This investment will be made over the next four years and will focus on developing knowledge in wind energy, geothermal energy, and hydrogen, according to Clara Guatame, the agency's new president.
The Colombian government, under leftist President Gustavo Petro, aims to move away from its reliance on oil exports, which have traditionally been a significant source of income for the country. As part of this effort, the government has pledged not to grant any more hydrocarbon exploration and production contracts, and companies are being urged to make the most of existing licenses.
Speaking at an oil and gas conference organized by the Colombian Petroleum Association (ACP), Guatame highlighted the ANH's commitment to renewable energy. “Recently, the ministry of mines and energy has delegated some functions to the National Hydrocarbons Agency, that will allow us to grow our knowledge mainly in wind energy, geothermal energy, and hydrogen,” she said.
The ANH's investment forms part of the Colombian government's four-year development plan, currently being debated in Congress. Guatame emphasized the importance of the agency's role in the transition to cleaner energy sources. “Our mandate as an entity is to oversee the exploration and production of hydrocarbons, but we have a dual responsibility,” she said. “We must also prepare the sector for the transition to cleaner energies, which is a challenge that we must tackle together.”
Colombia currently produces around 765,000 barrels of oil per day, according to Guatame. This figure is 1.4% higher than the average production recorded last year, which was 754,199 bpd. While acknowledging the importance of the oil sector, Guatame also noted the need to explore alternative energy sources. “We know that hydrocarbons are still important, but we also know that we need to diversify our energy mix,” she said.
The ANH's investment in renewable energy is a positive step for Colombia's energy transition, and Guatame's commitment to the cause is encouraging. As the country seeks to reduce its dependence on oil exports and embrace cleaner energy options, it will need to continue to invest in developing knowledge and infrastructure in the renewable energy sector.
