The Colombian government has mapped out how it plans to deliver its first offshore wind tender in 2023.
The Ministry of Mines and Energy has published its first resolution for offshore wind, setting out the competitive process for awarding temporary occupation permits.
These permits will provide exclusive rights for the exploration and development of offshore wind projects off the country’s coastline.
Colombia’s Direccion General Maritima (DIMAR) has decided the country’s first projects should be sited in its Central Caribbean zone, off the departments of Bolivar and Atlántico.
Developers assigned permits in the first round will have to determine the viability of the projects and advance through licensing and the maritime concession application process before starting construction.
The Colombian government will now work to appoint a process administrator.
Diego Mesa, Minister of Mines and Energy, said: “We do not stop at our goal of leaving the country a diverse energy matrix and with a striking regulatory framework for the development of renewable energies in the country.
“I have to thank the World Bank, the Danish Energy Agency, The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) and the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH), which supported the work of more than a year by MinEnergía and DIMAR to make this process a reality.
“Offshore wind energy is the future of Colombia, as we have a potential of 50 GW that is more than three times the generation capacity we currently have in the country.”