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Colombia Launches First Offshore Wind Energy Auction Amid Global Interest

Colombia’s inaugural offshore wind energy auction has attracted global interest with proposals for 69 development areas. This initiative aligns with President Gustavo Petro’s objective of diversifying the energy sector away from oil and coal reliance. The government aims for installed capacities of at least 1 gigawatt from the auction, moving towards a goal of 7 gigawatts by 2040.

Colombia has initiated its first offshore wind energy auction, drawing widespread interest from global companies. The National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH) announced that proposals have been submitted for the development of 69 offshore areas. This auction represents a crucial advancement in President Gustavo Petro’s initiative to diversify Colombia’s energy sector and reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels, such as oil and coal.

The preliminary interest list for this wind energy auction includes international firms from countries like Belgium, Britain, China, and Spain, alongside local companies including Ecopetrol. This diverse participation underscores the growing global emphasis on sustainable energy solutions and Colombia’s potential within this sector.

In accordance with ANH statements, companies whose proposals meet suitability criteria will have the opportunity to compete for bids on specific areas, with the option to be awarded a maximum of two projects each. The Colombian government plans to approve projects that can achieve a cumulative installed power capacity of at least 1 gigawatt, with the stipulation that each individual project must generate a minimum of 200 megawatts.

President Petro’s administration has established a broader objective to reach an installed offshore wind power capacity of 7 gigawatts by 2040. Interested parties are permitted to submit deposits for their offers until the end of May; however, the specific timeline for awarding projects has not yet been disclosed.

The initiation of Colombia’s first offshore wind energy auction marks a significant milestone in the country’s renewable energy strategy, reflecting a commitment to lessening dependence on fossil fuels. With substantial interest from international operators, this initiative is set to facilitate major advancements in sustainable energy production, aligning with President Petro’s long-term energy goals.

Original Source: energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com

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