Colombia's GEB seeks Colectora extension, outlines US$1.3bn spending plan

Grupo Energía Bogotá (GEB) is seeking a new extension for its troubled Colectora transmission project, a key pillar of Colombia's renewable energy expansion plans. 

The 500kV link had originally been slated for completion in 2022 but was delayed by a requirement for GEB to complete a consultation process with more than 230 communities. 

"The current official commissioning date is July 22, 2025, and a request for modification of the date is being processed by the mines and energy ministry," GEB said in a financial report.  

The project comprises two sections: a single 250km line connecting the Cuestecitas and La Loma substations and two lines spanning 114km from Cuestecitas to the Colectora I substation.

The company received an environmental license for the Cuestecitas-Colectora section last August and has since laid 11 foundations.

According to the report, construction of the previously licensed Cuestecitas-La Loma section is 51% complete, with 93km of linear power lines already laid. 

In total, the Colectora project spans 475km and traverses 14 municipalities in the northern departments of La Guajira and Cesar. It is expected to require investments of at least US$200mn. 

When completed, the Colectora line will deliver energy from seven wind farms totaling around 2GW of capacity to Colombia's power transmission grid.

Capex plans

Meanwhile, GEB has set aside US$503mn for capital expenditure this year, up from a realized total of US$471mn in 2024, according to a separate company presentation. 

Some US$312mn is earmarked for electricity transmission, US$99mn for gas distribution, US$68mn for gas transportation and US$24mn for electricity distribution.

The group has also already committed to capital spending of US$1.33bn over the next five years, including US$393mn in 2026, US$139mn in 2027, US$143mn in 2028 and US$149mn in 2029.

Investments in Colombia over the period will be led by the Colectora, Sogamoso Norte, Chivor II and Refuerzo Suroccidental transmission lines, GEB said. 

On a strategic level, the firm said it was monitoring inorganic growth opportunities while prioritizing a cost-efficient approach to resource usage.

In addition, it is seeking to adopt advanced technology" to innovate its processes while also stepping up regulatory management.