Trade groups Andeg and Fenalcarbón stressed the need for long-term contracts and coal-fired thermal plants as backup for Colombia's power grid, with El Niño likely in the second half of 2026. Alejandro Castañeda, Andeg president, and Carlos Cante, from Fenalcarbón, warned of growing energy deficits and climate vulnerabilities.
Andeg and Fenalcarbón called for recognizing coal-fired thermal generation's complementary role in Colombia's energy mix. Facing climate pressures, natural gas shortages, and sector financial issues, the groups underscored its reliability during low water availability from El Niño.
Alejandro Castañeda stated: "In the medium term, we are at zero between firm energy supply and demand, but the deficit will widen. For next year, we're talking 3%, then 4%, ending at 6% in 2028. To make it clear, last decade our margin was 7% above."
During the 2023-2024 El Niño, coal thermal plants supplied up to 18% of daily generation, with 1,653 MW installed capacity—enough for Antioquia—and up to 18,000 tons of coal consumed daily.
Coal mining produces over 80% of the country's mining royalties. Carlos Cante warned: "If the financing law is revived, it brings a 15% surtax on coal, 1% tax on first sales. We'd face price hikes [...] or risk shortages."
