Key facts
- Colombia faces an energy crisis.
- Oil and natural gas reserves are shrinking.
- A Super El Niño event is predicted.
- El Niño could impact hydroelectric power generation.
- President Petro's policies are cited as deterring investment.
- Colombia is increasing reliance on natural gas imports.
- Natural gas imports are described as costly.
Colombia is facing a significant energy crisis, driven by a dual threat of shrinking domestic reserves of oil and natural gas and the potential impact of a Super El Niño event. The anticipated El Niño phenomenon poses a substantial risk to the country's hydroelectric power generation, which is a cornerstone of its energy supply. This situation is compounded by concerns that President Petro's administration policies have negatively affected investment in the energy sector. The decline in domestic production and investment has led to an increased reliance on natural gas imports, which are more costly and could strain national resources. The combination of reduced reserves and the vulnerability of hydroelectric power to climate events creates a precarious energy outlook for Colombia.