In an auditorium filled with representatives from the energy sector, Francesco Bertoli, CEO of Enel Colombia, was unequivocal: “The strongest signal of confidence is the fact that there is a need for energy in the country.” His remarks at the Future Energy Summit in Bogotá made it clear that the challenge is no longer only about transition, but about real capacity to respond to rising demand with pragmatic solutions and urgent execution.
In a context of delayed projects, regulatory uncertainty and mounting pressure from demand growth, the executive focused on what he considers essential: the country cannot afford to continue slowing down investment.
“If there is demand, sooner or later conditions will emerge for supply to exist,” he emphasised, convinced that the market is reacting late to reality.
Although Enel continues to expand its renewable portfolio, the company acknowledges the need for a pragmatic stance. “We are not investing in any thermal projects. But it is difficult to say that thermal generation will not be needed in Colombia in the medium term, if you measure it with numbers and data,” Bertoli noted, opening the door to a narrative of “energy addition” rather than transition alone.
Faced with technical and regulatory challenges, Bertoli stressed that stable rules of the game are essential for investors to make decisions confidently and commit significant resources in the country.
The sector is currently undergoing intense regulatory reconfiguration. The Ministry of Mines and Energy released in October the regulations for the auction of Firm Energy Obligations (OEF) for the 2027–2028 period, while the Energy and Gas Regulatory Commission (CREG) is advancing with public consultations on modifications to the reliability charge scheme.
Meanwhile, the draft decree for long-term renewable and storage auctions has already been presented, incorporating for the first time specific requirements for BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems).
However, uncertainties persist regarding award timelines, interconnection criteria and, especially, safeguards against grid congestion risk, an issue that has delayed more than 12 renewable projects since 2023.
What’s at stake: more investment, fewer excuses
Delays in structural works, transmission bottlenecks and setbacks in assigning grid connection points are no longer technical problems—they pose a direct threat to the country’s energy security amid an accelerating electrification curve, according to the panel in which the Enel CEO participated.
In that context, Bertoli explained that the energy transition proposal must incorporate an addition-focused approach: by the end of 2025, Colombia will add more than 3 GW of renewable projects under development, but over 60% still face interconnection challenges due to infrastructure saturation. Meanwhile, the system continues to rely on an ageing and costly thermal fleet that nonetheless upholds reliability during El Niño events.
Beyond past anecdotes, what is truly critical is the alignment between discourse and execution. The government is advancing key regulations, but the speed of the market demands more than new documents—it requires timely decisions, clear rules and tactical leadership.
Project developers understand the challenge well: without a forward leap in transmission capacity —and without an effective incentive policy for storage— the country risks becoming trapped between ambitious targets and an operating system unable to keep pace.
In a sector where demand is rising, the narrative can only be one of action. In Bertoli’s view, those who secure energy at strategic connection points today will be the winners of Colombia’s energy market over the next four years.
