Colombia has officially been accepted as the 33rd full member of the International Energy Agency (IEA), the autonomous energy authority within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the world’s foremost technical institution on energy policy.
The accession follows a rigorous process launched in 2021. During this period, Colombia strengthened its institutional framework, enhanced crisis management mechanisms and upgraded technical capabilities to safeguard energy supply stability.
The government will now submit the accession agreement to the Colombian Congress for ratification, in line with domestic procedures governing international treaties. Full membership will enter into force once the Instrument of Accession is signed and formally deposited.
With this step, Colombia joins a select group of countries that shape global discussions on energy security, renewable energy expansion, energy efficiency and net zero pathways.
The country’s energy policy is closely aligned with the Paris Agreement. As one of the world’s most biodiverse nations and highly vulnerable to climate change, Colombia has framed its energy transition as both an economic and ethical imperative.
The results reflect this commitment. Over the past three and a half years, the share of non-conventional renewable energy sources — including solar PV and wind power — in Colombia’s electricity mix has increased from 2% to 16%, signalling a rapid acceleration in renewable energy deployment and grid integration.
Edwin Palma, Colombia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, described the milestone as a strong endorsement of the country’s technical and institutional capacity.
“This invitation validates the robustness of our institutions and our technical capabilities. Full IEA membership means Colombia now sits at the table where global energy decisions are made. It sends a clear message of confidence to investors, stability to markets and protection to Colombian households.”
Natalia Irene Molina, Director of the National Planning Department, added that the accession demonstrates that decarbonisation can be compatible with energy security and macroeconomic stability.
“Colombia has met the Agency’s rigorous standards, proving that a vision of a decarbonised economy can coexist with secure energy supply. This accession is a triumph of long-term planning. We have shown that Colombia has the technical strength to respond to global crises and lead the transition towards clean energy.”
Colombia’s energy transition at a glance
| Indicator | Progress |
|---|---|
| IEA Membership | 33rd full member |
| Accession process launched | 2021 |
| Share of non-conventional renewables | Increased from 2% to 16% (2021–2024) |
| Policy alignment | Paris Agreement and net zero targets |
| Strategic focus | Energy security, renewable energy, grid resilience |
Colombia’s accession to the IEA positions the country as a more influential actor in global energy governance and may strengthen its attractiveness for investment in renewables, energy storage, green hydrogen and distributed generation, as international markets increasingly prioritise secure and sustainable energy systems.
