The Daily Journal — The governments of Colombia and Venezuela are moving forward with the reactivation of their binational power interconnection through a project in the Vichada border region. The initiative aims to expand electricity coverage, strengthen energy security, and revive cooperation in energy infrastructure between the two countries.
Colombia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Edwin Palma Egea, reported on the project’s progress during a working visit to Puerto Carreño, the capital of the Vichada department. During the event, he presented the El Merey Solar Photovoltaic Plant, which will have an installed capacity of five megawatts and will provide electricity to more than 1,600 users.
The investment plan associated with the energy strategy exceeds 89.9 billion Colombian pesos (approximately $22.5 million). The program focuses on expanding electricity coverage, strengthening transmission infrastructure, and incorporating renewable energy sources throughout the region.
According to official figures, authorities have already completed four energy projects in the department, benefiting 1,767 users and more than 6,185 residents. Two additional projects are currently underway and will connect another 359 users to the electrical grid.
The Colombian government also reported that it approved six projects financed through the General Royalties System, with funding totaling more than 40.797 billion pesos (about $10.2 million).
The plan also includes the construction of more than 10 Eco-Schools equipped with solar self-generation systems as part of an energy-transition strategy for rural communities.
The reactivation of the power interconnection forms part of a broader bilateral energy cooperation agenda. In February, Minister Palma met in Caracas with Venezuela’s Acting President, Delcy Rodríguez, to discuss projects involving natural gas, renewable energy, and the modernization of shared energy infrastructure.
Both governments continue to hold technical working sessions to evaluate the potential importation of Venezuelan natural gas into Colombia and the restoration of electricity transmission networks that have remained inactive since diplomatic relations between the two countries were severed.
Source: El Colombiano.
