Colombia Bets on 12 Gas Projects to Overcome Looming Energy Crisis

According to Naturgas, the Colombian Association of Natural Gas, the country plans to implement 12 strategic gas infrastructure projects that could add 1,254 million cubic feet per day (Mpcd) to the national supply within five years.

This ambitious initiative aims to counter a growing energy deficit that threatens to reach 16% of domestic demand by 2026. Colombia currently faces a critical natural gas shortage.

The country will import 4% of its internal demand from Trinidad and Tobago and the United States by 2025. Without intervention, this dependency on foreign sources could drive consumer prices up by 30-35%.

The planned projects include four major transport infrastructure developments. Promigas leads the Barranquilla-Ballena bidirectional pipeline project with a $65 million investment.

This initiative will facilitate gas transport of 170 Mpcd by June 2027. Promigas also heads the SPEC expansion project, adding 58 Mpcd by 2027. A joint venture between Promigas and Ecopetrol will convert an oil pipeline in the Lower Magdalena Valley.

This unique project features parallel pipes capable of simultaneously transporting oil and gas, potentially adding 400 Mpcd by 2030. TGI manages the Vasconia-La Belleza bidirectional pipeline, which should contribute at least 200 Mpcd by 2030.

Colombia’s Energy Future

Five onshore projects will boost production by 137 Mpcd collectively. These include Arrecife in Córdoba, Gibraltar expansion in Norte de Santander, Campo Floreña in Yopal, La Belleza in Boyacá, and Pozo Hydra in the Lower Magdalena Valley.

The offshore Sirius project represents another significant development. Ecopetrol and Petrobras will begin commercializing this source in late 2025. It promises to deliver up to 135 Gbtud, equivalent to 14% of current demand.

Frontera Energy and Promigas control half of these expansion projects. Ecopetrol participates in five projects but shares ownership in three. The National Association of Industrialists warns that Colombia faces a structural energy problem requiring immediate attention.

These projects represent Colombia’s strategic response to restore energy self-sufficiency. The success of this initiative will determine whether the country can avoid steep price increases and ensure stable energy supply for both industrial and residential consumers.