| Step by step

• A hydrogen roadmap, recognized as one of the pioneers in the region, with a groundbreaking international update on hydrogen derivatives such as ammonia, methanol, sustainable fuels, and synthetic natural gas. It sets national objectives for 2030, with targets for 2040 and 2050, all under a Just Energy Transition approach and sustainability criteria of the Power to X (PtX)-Hub Berlin, adapted to the national context.
• Public policies have been developed to elevate hydrogen as a cornerstone of the Just Energy Transition and the green reindustrialization of the country. In Colombia, green hydrogen is recognized as a key issue of public and social importance.
• A comprehensive set of studies, national strategies, and public policies aimed at harnessing the country's renewable energy potential. This includes initiatives such as a solar power surge (6 GW by 2026), energy communities to promote energy democratization, offshore wind energy, updating favorability maps for geothermal energy, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), energy efficiency improvements in public buildings, green hydrogen production from biomass and small hydroelectric plants, geological hydrogen, bioenergy, and nuclear energy, among others.

• Pioneering regulations are shaping a legal and institutional framework that ensures investment security and the long-term sustainability of projects. This framework encompasses various aspects, including value chain regulations, guarantee of origin certification, technical standards, socio-environmental regulations, and climate finance, among others.
• Incentives for hydrogen generation are in place, and efforts are underway to develop additional incentives for the consumption of green hydrogen and its derivatives. This initiative reflects a national commitment to promoting the use of green fertilizers.
• Reevaluating the institutional framework to boost citizen engagement and support for especially protected groups presents significant challenges. This drive prompts Colombian administrations to modernize their approaches, ensuring the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of hydrogen as a key component of the Just Transition. The ultimate goal is to address and close the country’s historical gaps.

The interested party in the environmental license application process for energy infrastructure construction projects essential for the just energy transition may commence the environmental licensing process by adhering to the requirements set forth in Article 2.2.2.3.6.2 of Decree 1076 of 2015 or in any regulations that amend or supersede it. In any case, to initiate the process, it will be sufficient to present the administrative act confirming the applicability of the prior consultation, issued by the Directorate of the Prior Consultation Authority (DANCP).

In order to obtain the environmental license, the project executor must submit the certification confirming the non-applicability of prior consultation or, if applicable, the formal record or the decision of the competent authority, ensuring the protection of ethnic and cultural identity throughout the process.

PARAGRAPH. If, before issuing the completeness determination, the applicant has not been able to provide all the necessary requirements for the granting of the license, the environmental authority will suspend the licensing process as stipulated in Decree 1585 of 2020 or any other regulation amending or superseding it, and may extend the suspension period in cases of force majeure or unforeseen circumstances.

If the suspension period mentioned above lasts more than three (3) years from its start, the project executor must update the information needed to obtain the license.