A passion for sustainable energy solutions

Colombia

Alejandro Navas Ramirez, general manager of ENERGY TRANSITIONS, talks to The Energy Year about the opportunities in the energy market the company has identified to consolidate its presence in Colombia and expand internationally. ENERGY TRANSITIONS is a Colombian-owned utility company dedicated to designing and implementing energy supply solutions for its clients and partners.

What opportunities has ENERGY TRANSITIONS identified in the market that have helped the company consolidate its presence in Colombia?
ENERGY TRANSITIONS was founded in 2019 together with David Angel (commercial manager). It originated from our passion for driving Colombia’s development through sustainable energy solutions. With over 25 years of combined experience in the Colombian energy sector, we have a profound understanding of the local energy market and its unique challenges.
Our company distinguishes itself through its agility and adaptability. We respond swiftly to market changes and are committed to being proactive and collaborative partners. We believe in building strong relationships with our clients, investors and communities to achieve success together.
ENERGY TRANSITIONS is a utility company that provides innovative energy sector solutions. Our three core business lines – energy commercialisation, project development and consultancy – allow us to offer a wide range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients, always with a strong emphasis on competitiveness.
As energy traders, we have identified opportunities in the Colombian energy market where we can make a significant impact. Combining our expertise in low-emissions fuel commercialisation with our knowledge of renewable energies has positioned us well to address the evolving demands of the market. This approach aligns perfectly with the energy sector’s current and future trends.
We strongly believe that sustainability and energy security are critical in today’s world. Through our ability to commercialise natural gas, LPG, crude oil and electricity, we can meet the diverse requirements of our stakeholders. Our ability to quickly adapt to market fluctuations has been a key driver of our growth. By identifying potential projects early and moving swiftly, we are able to compete with larger companies. Timing is crucial in this industry, and our efficient decision-making processes enable us to seize opportunities and deliver results.
Additionally, we offer integrated services that extend beyond traditional energy solutions. For example, when it comes to solar projects, we can identify potential opportunities, secure investments, develop the project and even facilitate its transfer to a larger company for operation.

How has gas commercialisation become ENERGY TRANSITIONS’ core niche business?
Natural gas has always been central to our focus due to its low-emissions properties and its relevance in Colombia’s energy matrix.
As an energy marketer, we cover the entire value chain, from upstream to downstream. We collaborate with producers such as Ecopetrol and Hocol, as well as distributors and end users such as EPM, Vanti and others. In 2023, we sold approximately 18,000 Btu per day, and in 2024, we expect to sell nearly 31,000 Btu per day.
We have also built strong partnerships with thermal power plants, ensuring a reliable supply of natural gas during peak demand periods, such as during El Niño events. This has positioned us as a key player during energy contingency plans. We offer both spot and long-term contracts, tailored to meet our clients’ needs in the thermal, industrial and residential sectors – all while adhering to the latest regulatory standards.
Our deep expertise in the natural gas market has enabled us to diversify into other energy sources. In August, we were granted a licence to trade electricity, marking the next step in our growth strategy.

How is the company venturing into renewable-energy project development?
ENERGY TRANSITIONS is actively expanding into renewable energy, boasting a portfolio of over 160 projects, including small hydro plants and solar initiatives. These strategic partnerships have allowed us to cultivate one of the largest renewable energy portfolios in the country.
Our project development business line has flourished as a result. We specialise in structuring and developing a range of energy infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on photovoltaic solar farms. Each project is uniquely tailored based on factors such as location, scale, investment requirements, technical specifications and regulatory compliance. This is where our expertise is essential.
We have independently developed numerous projects while also collaborating with partners to provide engineering, feasibility studies and consultancy services. Once a project reaches an advanced stage, we often partner with larger companies to complete and operate the facility.
For example, when we identify a suitable site for a solar farm, we can either invest directly or collaborate with other companies to move the project into the engineering, procurement and construction phase. With Colombia’s energy transition underway, we are well positioned to capitalise on the growing opportunities in this sector.

What makes ENERGY TRANSITIONS a key actor in consultancy services?
ENERGY TRANSITIONS stands out in consultancy services due to the extensive experience of our multidisciplinary in-house team, which specialises in the natural gas, electricity and renewable energy markets. We have a proven track record of developing and implementing successful commercial strategies within these markets.
Our deep knowledge of the energy landscape enables us to conduct in-depth studies, identifying both opportunities and potential risks. Unlike traditional consulting firms, we are actively involved in the market, giving us a unique perspective and allowing us to provide practical, on-the-ground solutions.
Our team has developed a comprehensive suite of consulting services, combining academic rigour with real-world experience. This enables us to provide tailored solutions to a wide range of challenges faced by our clients.
Over the years, we have successfully partnered with industry leaders such as ExxonMobil, the Colombian National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH), Geopark and TGI. Our expertise has helped these companies navigate the complexities of the Colombian energy market and evaluate the feasibility of their projects.

What goals does the company have in line with Colombia’s energy market needs?
ENERGY TRANSITIONS has experienced exponential growth in recent years, as evidenced by our increasing revenue. This growth demonstrates our commitment to strengthening our position in the market and delivering greater value to our stakeholders.
Our primary goal is to remain a leading supplier of natural gas solutions. Despite reports that suggest that we have domestic gas reserves for only 6.1 years, we are confident in the potential of offshore gas exploration in the Caribbean Sea and the Lower Magdalena Valley.
Even if these projections do not fully materialise, we are committed to finding innovative solutions to meet the growing demand for natural gas.
In addition to natural gas, we are actively embracing the global energy transition towards sustainable solutions. Our goal is to become a leading company in the sustainable energy sector and a strategic partner in shaping a cleaner energy matrix.
To achieve this, we are investing in cutting-edge technologies that can enhance our operations and reduce our environmental impact. We are constantly exploring renewable energy options, such as biogas and hydrogen, and promoting their integration into our business.
Furthermore, we are committed to social responsibility and environmental sustainability. We are working towards achieving carbon neutrality and implementing initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint. We also focus on supporting local communities through our environmental social and governance policy to ensure sustainability throughout our entire value chain.

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