ANLA Issues New Approval for Geothermal Exploration Projects in Colombia

Energy attorney Natalia Suárez was interviewed by Valora Analitik about the recent opinion issued by the National Environmental Licensing Authority (ANLA) and the regulatory landscape for geothermal energy in Colombia. Ms. Suárez explained that the framework is not based on public tenders but on administrative authorizations granted by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, in accordance with Resolution 4302 of 2022 and Decree 1598 of 2024, which establish the stages and requirements for prospecting, exploration and exploitation. She also emphasized that, as a non-conventional renewable source, geothermal projects are not subject to royalties and that the main challenge is political: Stability in timelines, costs and rules is needed to attract investment and make projects like Ecopetrol's viable.

"For geothermal projects, the tender mechanism does not apply. What exists is an administrative authorization that the Ministry grants to companies that meet technical and legal requirements," she said.

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