Renewable energies and energy transition in Colombia: points on advances and challenges

The global energy transformation is promoting system-wide structural changes, especially with the increasing adoption of renewable energies. Countries like Colombia have natural resources that place them in a favorable position to take advantage of this new wave of transformation, both in the internal development of these projects and in serving the interests of foreign investors. To make these new ventures possible, it is necessary to establish a regulatory framework that not only makes such projects viable, but also protects the ecosystems and the communities that live in them, in line with the commitments assumed in the Sustainable Development Goals, in the Paris Agreement and in the COP 26 held in Glasgow. In this work, we propose to advance through Colombian public policies that promote and regulate the implementation of energy projects based on Unconventional Sources of Renewable Energy (USRE), as well as the implementation process in non-interconnected areas (NIA) throughout the country. In the first part, we will address the composition of the Colombian Energy Matrix, followed by a presentation on how the transition to other energy sources has been promoted. Finally, we will provide a general outline of the regulation associated with this energy market. In addition, we will briefly present the energy policies emphasized in the National Energy Plan 2020-2050, which favor the implementation of renewable energies. In summary, this work aims to explore Colombia’s potential in the transition to a more sustainable energy matrix, highlighting the policies and regulations needed to boost the development of renewable energy projects and achieve established sustainability goals. ; This study was financed in part by the coordenação de aperfeiçoamento de pessoal de nível superior - Brasil (capes) - Finance code 001.