The Government of Colombia, through the Ministry of Mines and Energy, participated in the 55th anniversary celebration of the Andean Community (CAN), held in Lima, Peru, on May 21 and 22. The event included the presence of government authorities from the energy sector of CAN member countries (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru) as well as Chile.
Juan Carlos Bedoya, Head of the Office of Regulatory and Business Affairs, represented Minenergía and highlighted the current transmission infrastructure between Colombia and Ecuador as a regional development example. This demonstrates that countries can cooperate to create an increasingly interconnected electric system.
During the meeting, the Colombian representative discussed regional challenges in transitioning to a cleaner energy matrix with energy authorities from Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile. He emphasized the importance of a just transition that involves society and marginalized populations.
Additionally, at the high-level meeting of the Andean Committee of Regulatory and Electricity Normative Bodies (CANREL), Colombia reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to advancing regional energy integration processes. The CAN issued a favorable opinion on the resolution project that will adopt the operational, commercial, and designation regulations, functions, and responsibilities of the Regional Coordinator, agreed upon in June 2023.
This will allow for the internal regulations of the countries to be updated according to CAN Decision 816 within an estimated two-year period. By 2026, electricity transactions between Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru will begin, establishing the so-called Andean Short-Term Electricity Market (MAERCP).
Finally, at the meeting of ministers of the Andean Electrical Interconnection System (SINEA), Colombia signed the ministers' declaration, in which member countries commit to continue working towards regional integration for increasingly secure and resilient electrical systems.
