energy
April 26, 2026
Colectora Against the Clock: After 235 Consultations, Colombia's Great 'Highway' for Solar and Wind Energy Will See the Light This Year
A large transmission line crosses the northern tip of Colombia with a clear promise: to bring clean energy born in the arid and windy landscapes of La Guajira to homes and national industry.
TL;DR
- The Colectora transmission line will transport 1,050 MW of solar and wind energy from La Guajira, aiming for completion by August 2026.
- The project has experienced over four years of delays, primarily due to an increase from 235 to over 250 prior consultations with communities, environmental permits, and the pandemic.
- Colectora is considered the most important project for Colombia's energy transition, enabling the transport of clean energy crucial for decarbonization.
- The 475 km line will connect to the National Interconnected System (SIN) at 500 kV and will supply approximately 10% of the national electricity demand from renewable sources.
- Key challenges include an increasing number of community consultations, technical and layout adjustments, and stricter environmental licensing processes compared to renewable generation projects.
- Colombia faces growing energy demand, and with slow progress on transmission projects like Colectora, the country risks blackouts or rationing from 2027, exacerbated by climate phenomena.
- Several large wind power projects have faced suspension or abandonment due to social conflicts and environmental requirements, impacting the readiness of energy generation to utilize the Colectora line.
- The next government faces the challenge of ensuring the timely completion of renewable energy projects and transmission lines, addressing security and social conflicts, and incorporating technologies for grid stability.