Colombia’s energy transition faces uncertainty after presidential shift to far-right leader

Colombia is at a critical juncture in its energy transition following the election of far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella on June 23, 2026. This change in leadership comes less than two months after Colombia hosted the world’s first international conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels. De la Espriella, endorsed by Donald Trump, plans to prioritize deregulation and maximize oil extraction, potentially reversing the progress made under President Gustavo Petro.

Energy Transition Under Gustavo Petro

Since taking office in 2022, President Gustavo Petro initiated one of the most ambitious energy transitions globally. His administration halted new oil and gas exploration contracts, suspended hydraulic fracking, and pledged to cease developing new unabated coal power plants. These policies positioned Colombia as a leading member of various climate alliances, including the Powering Past Coal Alliance and the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Alliance.

Despite facing domestic challenges, such as inflation exceeding 10% and a significant decline in foreign direct investment, Colombia saw a notable shift in its energy landscape. Coal production fell to its lowest level in 22 years, and renewable energy sources surged, with solar power accounting for over 70% of new electricity capacity.

Challenges Ahead for Colombia’s Energy Sector

The energy sector in Colombia has faced significant challenges, especially during the past three years. A drought fueled by El Niño in 2023-24 severely impacted hydro-electric power supply, leading to increased reliance on costly gas and coal. Consequently, electricity prices surged by nearly 40%, prompting government intervention to implement price controls.

As a result, energy investors have grown increasingly cautious, leading to a staggering 70% decline in renewable energy investments. Despite the expected addition of 1.2 GW of hydro-power from the Ituango dam by 2028, Colombia could face a substantial energy deficit by 2027 due to permitting delays and stalled projects.

Public Sentiment and Future Direction

Public opinion reflects a desire for renewable energy expansion, with 96% of Colombians advocating for increased solar initiatives. However, frustrations over high electricity bills and sluggish economic growth have fueled a domestic debate on energy policy. De la Espriella’s campaign focused on addressing security concerns while attributing the energy crisis to the rapid pace of the current energy transition.

As Colombia navigates this pivotal moment, the future of its energy transition remains uncertain under new leadership. The balance between fossil fuel reliance and renewable energy growth will be critical in shaping the country’s energy landscape in the years to come.