Colombia Enhances Regasification Efforts Amid Looming Gas Shortage

Colombia’s Ecopetrol has contracted PIO for regasification services on the Pacific Coast to address an impending natural gas shortage. The infrastructure will include facilities in Buenaventura and Buga, with operations expected to start in Q2 2026. This initiative supports diversifying gas supplies as Colombia faces projected deficits, ensuring service for over 40 million people.

Colombia’s state-owned oil and gas company, Ecopetrol, has awarded a contract to Puertos, Inversiones y Obras (PIO) for regasification services along the Pacific Coast. This infrastructure project will include facilities for receiving and storing liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Buenaventura, as well as a regasification facility in Buga with a capacity of 60 million cubic feet per day (mcfd). Operations are expected to commence in the second quarter of 2026.

This contract marks a strategic initiative to diversify Colombia’s natural gas supply ahead of the commencement of several offshore projects. Buenaventura is also the location for the proposed Andes Energy Terminal, for which Black & Veatch completed a feasibility study in May 2024, further emphasizing the importance of this region for natural gas development.

With projections indicating a natural gas deficit in Colombia by 2025, the need for additional regasification capacities along the Pacific Coast becomes critical. Ecopetrol highlighted that this new contract will enable the supply of natural gas to meet the needs of over 40 million Colombians throughout the country.

Ecopetrol is committed to enhancing the stability and growth of the oil and gas sector, having allocated $1.37 billion for exploration over the next three years, thereby reinforcing its dedication to the energy sustainability of Colombia. Additionally, a partnership with Petrobras has led to a significant natural gas discovery offshore, recognized as the country’s most notable gas discovery to date.

In summary, Ecopetrol is taking significant measures to address an anticipated natural gas shortage in Colombia by enhancing regasification capabilities. The partnership with PIO signifies a critical step towards diversifying gas supply and ensuring energy sustainability. With substantial investments planned, the future outlook for Colombia’s oil and gas sector appears optimistic, bolstered by recent discoveries and strategic infrastructure developments.

Original Source: www.offshore-energy.biz