The Daily Journal. — The Colombian government is evaluating several alternatives to offset the natural gas supply deficit in its domestic market amid the effects of the El Niño climate phenomenon, including importing gas from Venezuela, Minister of Mines and Energy María Nohemí Arboleda said.
Speaking at a forum organized by the National Association of Public Utilities and Household Services Companies (Andesco) in Cartagena, Arboleda said the administration is exploring viable mechanisms for cross-border energy supplies.
“There is a very good option that the president is supporting, and that is to explore how we could, if possible, bring gas from Venezuela for this El Niño. That is one of our goals, and it would help significantly with the existing deficit,” Arboleda told industry representatives, adding that the country is “looking for gas under every rock.”
According to estimates from the industry association Naturgas, natural gas imports currently account for nearly 30% of Colombia’s domestic demand, up from 17% at the end of the previous year. The rise reflects declining domestic production following the suspension of new exploration and production concessions under former President Gustavo Petro’s administration.
His successor, Abelardo De La Espriella, has pledged to fully reactivate the extractive industry, including allowing unconventional extraction techniques such as fracking.
Hydropower accounts for approximately 70% of Colombia’s electricity generation mix, leaving the sector vulnerable to prolonged droughts and high temperatures associated with the El Niño climate cycle.
On longer-term measures, Arboleda said the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH) has established a task force to accelerate gas projects. Meanwhile, the ministry is developing new bidding rounds and subsurface characterization programs to stimulate investment in domestic exploration.
With information from Reuters
