La transición energética en el gobierno Petro sí es con petroleo y con gas
Feb 12, 2025
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Adrián Correa Flores, Director General of UPME and a key figure in Colombia's energy planning, dives deep into the nation's energy transition strategy. He highlights that fossil fuels, particularly oil and gas, are integral to the government’s roadmap to 2050. Correa dispels the myth of a complete fossil fuel phase-out, arguing for a balanced approach to ensure energy sustainability. He also discusses the challenges Colombia faces in diversifying its energy sources, emphasizing the urgent need to integrate renewables while maintaining a stable energy grid.
The energy transition in Colombia under President Petro incorporates fossil fuels like oil and natural gas, challenging the narrative of total elimination.
Natural gas is deemed essential for Colombia's energy security, even as renewable projects aim to diversify the energy mix amidst planning complexities.
Deep dives
The Energy Transition Vision
The energy transition led by President Gustavo Petro of Colombia focuses on shifting towards greener and less polluting energy sources. This initiative is broadly recognized as necessary for sustainable development, especially in a biodiverse country like Colombia. However, there remains a lack of clarity regarding the specifics of how this transition is being planned and executed within governmental technical agencies. Despite the optimistic narrative, fossil fuels are still expected to play a significant role in the nation's energy mix for the foreseeable future.
Current Energy Sources and Challenges
Colombia's electricity generation is primarily reliant on hydroelectric sources, constituting approximately 77% of its energy output. While diversification into renewable energy projects is underway, such as wind and solar energy, the current capacity still falls short of meeting future energy demands without potentiating the risk of shortages. The nation must account for its vulnerability to climate change, which has adversely affected predictable water supply for hydropower, thus necessitating a balanced and resilient energy strategy. To address these challenges, a combination of diverse energy sources, including both traditional and renewable, is essential.
Gas' Role in the Energy Transition
Natural gas is highlighted as an essential component of Colombia's energy transition due to its necessity in generating electricity and providing domestic energy needs. Despite the government's stance against new fracking endeavors, current plans indicate ongoing exploration and extraction of natural gas even as renewable sources expand. A significant concern is the depletion of traditionally accessible gas reserves, which have been declining, while new offshore gas fields present potential but come with exploration complexities. Creating an integrated planning approach that accounts for both electricity generation and gas supply is vital for ensuring future energy security.
Renewable Energy Development and Implementation
Colombia has made strides in advancing renewable energy regulations, with over 3 gigawatts of solar energy projects approved, although the actual operational capacity remains low. Efforts are concentrated on facilitating the implementation of these projects and addressing connectivity issues, particularly in regions like La Guajira, which hold significant potential for wind energy. A commitment to fostering collaboration among governmental bodies, local communities, and investors is crucial in overcoming barriers to successful project execution. Continuous support and integration of renewable energy sources are necessary to achieve a sustainable and reliable energy grid.
Adrián Correa, el director general de la UPME (Unidad de planeación Minero Energética) nos explicó que en los documentos de la hoja de ruta de transición energética del Ministerio, todos los escenarios a 2050 son con combustibles fósiles, hay presencia de petróleo y gas natural. Aseguró, que la eliminación del petróleo es una narrativa que se ha querido generar acerca de la propuesta de transición energética.