Colombia is enhancing its natural gas supply by awarding a regasification contract to Puertos, Inversiones y Obras. The project involves new facilities on the Pacific Coast, expected to begin operations in Q2 2026. This initiative aims to address a projected gas deficit by 2025, ultimately benefiting over 40 million citizens. Ecopetrol plans to invest significantly in exploration to ensure energy stability.
Colombia’s state-owned oil and gas company, Ecopetrol, has awarded a contract to Puertos, Inversiones y Obras (PIO) to provide regasification services along the Pacific Coast. This project includes new receipt and storage facilities in Buenaventura, as well as a regasification plant in Buga, set to have a capacity of 60 million cubic feet per day (mcfd), with operations expected to commence in the second quarter of 2026.
Ecopetrol emphasizes that this contract is a strategic move to diversify the natural gas supply, particularly as offshore projects prepare to come online. Buenaventura is also slated for another liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, the Andes Energy Terminal (AET), for which a feasibility study by Black & Veatch was completed in May 2024.
Amid projections of a natural gas deficit by 2025, Colombia anticipates significant gas imports. The newly established regasification capabilities along the Pacific Coast will be crucial in fulfilling domestic demand, aiming to provide natural gas to over 40 million Colombians.
Ecopetrol remains committed to enhancing the stability and growth of the oil and gas sector, having earmarked $1.37 billion for exploration efforts over the next three years to support energy sustainability. Additionally, late last year, together with its partner Petrobras, the company confirmed a substantial natural gas discovery offshore Colombia, heralded as the country’s most significant find to date.
In summary, Colombia is proactively addressing its impending natural gas shortage through strategic contracts and infrastructure investments. The new regasification project by Ecopetrol, in partnership with PIO, underscores the commitment to diversify energy sources. Furthermore, with significant investments planned for exploration, Colombia is striving towards a sustainable energy future while preparing for increased gas imports in the coming years.
Original Source: www.offshore-energy.biz
