Recent deep-water discoveries have uncovered large volumes of gas that could eventually turn Colombia into an exporter of the fuel, and companies including Petroleo Brasileiro SA and Shell Plc have expressed interest in expanding their participation in these projects, he said.
“We’ve let it be known, to the different market participants, our willingness to allow the entrance of new players, or existing players, in these exploration areas,” Roa said. “We’ve been incorporating and receiving a lot of interest in participating.” Bogota-based Ecopetrol is focusing future investments on offshore gas in Colombia and a fracking project in the Permian Basin in the US, in the hopes of reversing declining oil and gas output. The first offshore gas production could start as early as 2027, and could grow enough to meet domestic demand for the power-plant fuel and even allow for exports. Ecopetrol is looking for other companies to help cover the investments needed to bring these natural gas projects on line, he said.
Enel announced in May it had suspended the construction of its Windpeshi wind project in La Guajira province due to conflicts with communities and that it would look to sell it.