Colombia is at a key crossroads on its path to energy sustainability, and the opportunities for foreign investment in this sector are more attractive than ever. The energy transition, a central issue on the national agenda, seeks to reduce carbon emissions without compromising the country's energy security.

In this context, companies such as Termotasajero and Drummond are leading the way with innovative solar energy projects, which represent significant opportunities for foreign investors.

Alejandro Castañeda, executive president of the National Association of Generating Companies (Andeg), stresses that “the problem is not the fuel, but the emissions”. With this premise, thermoelectric companies have begun to diversify their energy matrix, integrating non-conventional renewable energies such as solar. A notable example is Termotasajero, which instead of continuing with the construction of a third coal-fired generation unit, opted to develop a solar plant. Since its operation in January 2023, this plant, with a capacity of 5.2 megawatts and 9,600 solar panels, has avoided the emission of 185,000 tons of CO2, which is equivalent to planting three million trees for 10 years.

The potential for growth in the sector is enormous. Termotasajero has plans to expand its installed capacity in Tolima, Huila and Antioquia with solar projects totaling around 200 megawatts, with an estimated investment of US$200 million. These figures are just the beginning, as at least eight of the 14 companies affiliated to Andeg have solar projects under development, which together could contribute up to 600 additional megawatts to the National Interconnected System (SIN).

The multinational Drummond is also investing in renewable energy, with the construction of the Cañahuate I solar park in Cesar. These developments reflect Colombia's ability to combine coal mining with the development of clean energy, offering an attractive outlook for foreign investment.

The Colombian government has set a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. To achieve this, thermoelectric plants will play a crucial role in the transition, supporting the intermittency of solar and wind energy, and ensuring the stability of energy supply, especially in times of drought. 

In conclusion, Colombia's energy transition is not only an environmental necessity, but also an investment opportunity. We invite you to learn about Colombia's investment project of Energys; this is the ideal time to bet on a country that is at the forefront of sustainability and energy innovation.

Bibliography:
El Tiempo