Below you will find a timeline that we at CREER have been developing to illustrate how energy transition narratives have been addressed over the past two decades in Colombia.
This tool includes: selected excerpts from the National Development Plans of recent governments, regulations, laws, national and international events, as well as media coverage of key milestones related to this topic.
The timeline is a work in progress and is continually evolving. If you would like to suggest any additions to enrich its content, feel free to contact us at: creer@ihrb.org
Navigation Instruction: Click on the year you wish to explore, and different categories of information will be displayed, identified as:
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Presidency: Andrés Pastrana
By means of which the “Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,” adopted in Kyoto on December 11, 1997, is approved.
Presidency: Andrés Pastrana
By which the Mining Code is issued and other provisions are enacted.
Presidency: Andrés Pastrana
By which the rational and efficient use of energy is promoted, the use of alternative energy sources is encouraged, and other provisions are enacted.
Presidency: Álvaro Uribe Vélez
By means of which the “Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,” adopted in Kyoto on December 11, 1997, is approved.
Presidency: Álvaro Uribe Vélez
The plan begins to introduce the design of a sustainable energy service management scheme. It mentions that economic incentives will be established for the development of infrastructure expansion and replacement projects, as well as the substitution of fossil fuel-based generation plants with alternative energy sources, provided they are technically and financially viable in the long term.
It proposes that the Ministry of Mines and Energy and IPSE (Institute for Planning and Promotion of Energy Solutions for Non-Interconnected Zones) will promote the design and implementation of pilot projects for electricity generation based on alternative energy technologies, especially in Non-Interconnected Zones.
It also highlights the importance of using clean fuels to ensure energy supply and mitigate the environmental impacts of fossil fuel consumption, such as gas and biofuels.
For more information, see pages 217–322 of Volume I at the following:
Presidency: Álvaro Uribe Vélez
By which measures are adopted regarding the generation of electric power.
Presidency: Juan Manuel Santos
By which certain minerals of strategic interest to the country are designated.
Presidency: Juan Manuel Santos
By means of which the “Statute of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA),” adopted in Bonn, Germany, on January 26, 2009, is approved.
Presidency: Juan Manuel Santos
The plan promotes the use of non-conventional energy sources, with a focus on renewable energy.
It proposes the creation of the Fund for Non-Conventional Energy and Efficient Energy Management (FENOGE).
It states the need to replace thermal energy with the introduction of solar and wind energy.
A target is set to reach 11,113 MW of installed capacity from non-conventional renewable energy sources in the National Energy System.
For more information, please refer to pages 242–252 of the following document:
Presidency: Juan Manuel Santos
A law that regulates the integration of non-conventional renewable energies into the National Energy System.
In this decision, the Constitutional Court emphasized that communities affected by the implementation of such projects must be guaranteed spaces for genuine participation and dialogue, rather than mere information-sharing. The goal is to incorporate local knowledge and the voices of those affected into decision-making processes.
Additionally, the Court ordered the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, through the National Environmental Licensing Authority (ANLA), to assume responsibility for granting environmental licenses.
This decision recognizes prior consultation as an unnamed fundamental right, collective in nature, held by Indigenous peoples, Black, Raizal, Palenquero, and Afro-Colombian communities.
Presidency: Juan Manuel Santos
The Paris Agreement, adopted in December 2015 during COP21 (Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), aims to address climate change and limit global warming to levels that avoid catastrophic impacts.
Each country submits voluntary Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reduce emissions, which are periodically reviewed. A global stocktake is held every five years to assess collective progress.
The adoption of the concept of a just transition by the United Nations system within the climate agenda was formalized at COP21, where the term was introduced to highlight the importance of ensuring that climate action is fair and socially inclusive.
This concept emphasizes the fair restructuring of the workforce, creating quality jobs aligned with national development priorities—particularly for affected workers—and calls for targeted measures to mitigate impacts in vulnerable sectors and territories.
Presidency: Juan Manuel Santos
Adopted in September 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly, the 2030 Agenda sets out a transformative vision for economic, social, and environmental sustainability. It serves as a guiding framework through 2030 for the 193 Member States that endorsed it.
Emphasizing dignity and equality, it represents a universal commitment grounded in a strengthened global partnership, and considers means of implementation, disaster risk prevention, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Particularly through Sustainable Development Goal 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, the agenda provides a broader framework for addressing labor issues within the context of sustainability and a just transition.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has played a key role in shaping global guidance on the importance of employment and decent work within the climate transition agenda.
In 2015, the ILO adopted the Policy Guidelines for a Just Transition Towards Environmentally Sustainable Economies and Societies for All, which aim to provide essential guidance for promoting practices that balance economic progress with environmental protection.
Presidency: Juan Manuel Santos
The goal of the Colombian Low-Carbon Development Strategy is to facilitate and promote the necessary conditions to guide the country toward economic development with low greenhouse gas emissions.
In other words, it seeks to lay the groundwork and implement actions that enable Colombia to decouple its economic growth from greenhouse gas production, promoting sustainable practices, environmental conservation, and the reduction of negative impacts on ecosystems—thereby contributing to climate change mitigation.
Presidency: Juan Manuel Santos
By which the terms of reference are adopted for the preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) required for the environmental licensing process of onshore wind energy projects, and other provisions are established.
Presidency: Juan Manuel Santos
By which the procedure and requirements are established for issuing the Environmental Benefit Certification for new investments in Non-Conventional Renewable Energy Sources (FNCER) and efficient energy management projects, in order to access the tax benefits provided in Articles 11, 12, 13, and 14 of Law 1715 of 2014, and other related provisions are adopted.
Presidency: Juan Manuel Santos
By which the “Paris Agreement”, adopted on December 12, 2015, in Paris, France, is approved.
Presidency: Juan Manuel Santos
By which the terms of reference are adopted for the preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) required for the environmental licensing process of photovoltaic solar energy projects, and other provisions are established.
Presidency: Juan Manuel Santos
Green Growth Policy
Objective: To boost productivity and economic competitiveness in Colombia by 2030, while ensuring the sustainable use of natural capital and social inclusion, in a manner that is climate-compatible.
Presidency: Juan Manuel Santos
Objective: To guide the actions and activities of the mining and energy industry through a human rights-based approach, by identifying measures across five key themes or guiding principles.
Presidency: Juan Manuel Santos
By which the Human Rights Policy for the Mining and Energy Sector is adopted.
Presidency: Juan Manuel Santos
By which the Comprehensive Climate Change Management Plan for the Mining and Energy Sector (PIGCC) is adopted.
Presidencia: Iván Duque
The plan emphasizes the diversification of the country’s energy portfolio through an updated National Energy Plan (PEN) led by the Mining and Energy Planning Unit (UPME).
It proposes the exploration of new energy sources, stating:
“The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MinEnergía) will promote the participation of various energy sources such as natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), LPG, biogas, biomass, non-conventional renewables, biofuels, geothermal energy, among others, with the goal of reducing dependence on more polluting energy sources and fostering a competitive and environmentally sustainable market.”
The importance of consolidating the integration of Non-Conventional Renewable Energy Sources (FNCER) is highlighted.
MinEnergía, UPME, and the Energy and Gas Regulatory Commission (CREG) will implement the necessary actions to carry out long-term contracting auctions that will facilitate the integration of FNCER into the National Interconnected System (SIN).
The plan supports the second phase of renewable energy grid interconnection from the La Guajira peninsula to the rest of the country and promotes the development of technologies that enable their integration into Colombia’s energy matrix. To support regional development, competitiveness, and sustainable growth, MinEnergía will promote the allocation of energy generation royalties from FNCER projects to the regions where these projects are implemented.
UPME and the National Environmental Licensing Authority (ANLA) will establish a one-stop window to consolidate all procedures required for FNCER and energy efficiency project developers to access benefits, including tax incentives.
For more information, see pages 704–717 and page 1435 of the following document:
Presidency: Iván Duque
By which a mechanism is defined and implemented to promote long-term contracting for electricity generation projects, as a complement to existing mechanisms in the Wholesale Energy Market, in compliance with the objectives established in Decree No. 0570 of 2018.
Presidency: Iván Duque
A law that establishes provisions for the energy transition, the dynamization of the energy market, and the economic recovery of the country, along with other related measures.
Presidency: Iván Duque
A law that promotes low-carbon development in the country by establishing targets and minimum measures for carbon neutrality and climate resilience, along with other related provisions.
Presidency: Iván Duque
This is a policy instrument that guides actions at the national, sectoral, and territorial levels to build a climate-resilient future. It is a long-term planning effort that reflects the country’s international commitment to the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Led by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, the National Planning Department (DNP), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the strategy seeks to identify the transformations needed to build long-term climate resilience in Colombia.
Presidency: Iván Duque
By which the provisions and procedures are defined for the allocation of transmission capacity in the National Interconnected System (SIN).
Presidency: Iván Duque
Speech by President Iván Duque Márquez at the COP26 Plenary Session:
Questionable statements made by Iván Duque at COP26 in Glasgow:
Presidency: Iván Duque
The ruling on this constitutional action was issued in 2023 through Ruling C-109-23.
According to the Court’s decision, the principles of legislative procedure regarding publicity and consecutiveness were not violated, and no procedural flaws as claimed by the petitioners were found to have occurred during the legislative process.
Presidency: Iván Duque
Objective: To strengthen Colombia’s energy transition process through the formulation and implementation of intersectoral actions and strategies that promote the country’s economic, energy, technological, environmental, and social growth, with the goal of advancing its energy transformation.
Presidency: Iván Duque
By which Subsection 8.2 is added to Section 8, Chapter 8, Title III, Part 2, Book 2 of Decree 1073 of 2015, in order to regulate electric sector transfers to Indigenous communities, as established in Article 289 of Law 1955 of 2019, which enacted the 2018–2022 National Development Plan: “Pact for Colombia, Pact for Equity.”
Presidency: Iván Duque
Public Policy on Gender Equity for Women: Towards the Sustainable Development of the Country
Presidency: Iván Duque
By which the competitive process is defined for granting Temporary Occupation Permits over maritime areas for the development of offshore wind energy projects, the first round is announced, and other related provisions are established.
Presidency: Gustavo Petro
Regarding the just transition of the workforce, under both the Productive Transformation, Internationalization, and Climate Action axis and the Human Security and Social Justice axis, the Plan prioritizes economic development based on energy efficiency and the advancement of new strategic minerals for the transition. It also emphasizes a strategy for productive diversification and labor reconversion, especially in the mining and hydrocarbon sectors affected by the energy transition. This includes the need to formulate a Just Transition Strategy for the Workforce in the context of carbon neutrality, led by the Ministry of Labor with the support of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development.
For more information, see Chapters V and VI of the following document:
Presidency: Gustavo Petro
A law by which Colombia approves the “Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean,” adopted in Escazú, Costa Rica, on March 4, 2018.
Presidency: Gustavo Petro
At COP27 in Egypt, President Petro stated that to confront the climate crisis, “the solution is a world without oil and coal.”
Petro’s speech at COP27:
Presidency: Gustavo Petro
Full text of the signed pact published by the Ministry of Mines and Energy:
Broadcast of the signing ceremony:
Presidency: Gustavo Petro
By which Decree 1073 of 2015 is amended in order to partially regulate Article 235 of Law 2294 of 2023, part of the 2022–2026 National Development Plan, concerning Energy Communities within the framework of Colombia’s Just Energy Transition.
Presidency: Gustavo Petro
The Ministry of Labor is leading the development of a strategy for the just transition of the workforce toward a resilient, low-carbon economy. This strategy aims to address the impacts on workers associated with the shift to carbon neutrality and the adoption of green economies and jobs, with a focus on improving quality of life and ensuring social and economic inclusion, leaving no one behind.
The strategy will be grounded in the Just Transition principles of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and will be based on social dialogue involving employers, workers, and the government, with active public participation in its design and implementation.
This effort is intended to align with the E2050 Strategy and the Adapted and Resilient Colombian Low-Carbon Development Strategy, contributing to a transformation that benefits the environment, View source
Report from the meeting with workers and trade unions
Testimony from workers and trade unions
The rapid expansion of critical minerals for the energy transition and other strategic industries (agriculture, defense, technology) presents us with a paradox: the decarbonization of the planet depends on an intensification of mining activity. For CREER, this rapid expansion carries critical risks regarding human rights, local economic dynamics, and ecosystem balance. Our work focuses on analyzing these dilemmas through the lens of a just transition, promoting governance frameworks that mitigate negative impacts and ensure that the mining of “minerals for the future” is carried out under rigorous standards of sustainability, equity, and respect for fundamental rights, through dialogue among different stakeholders.
We analyze the governance and sustainability challenges that arise in the implementation of decentralized generation models. Our work focuses on researching how local associative structures interact with regulatory frameworks and human rights standards. Through applied research, we assess the risks of rent capture, internal decision-making conflicts, and the conditions necessary for these self-management schemes to guarantee equitable and transparent participation in the territory.
With a focus on responsible land management and respect for local livelihoods, at CREER we apply our technical expertise in the photovoltaic sector to promote a solar transition with social integrity. Through the analysis of rural environments, the strengthening of local governance, and the design of participation mechanisms, we seek to ensure that large-scale deployment in Latin America not only contributes to the energy mix, but also strengthens the social fabric. Our purpose is to lead due diligence models that ensure solar infrastructure coexists with food security, strategic ecosystems, and the productive vocations of each community.
