F EAT U R ES
The evolution of natural gas in Colombia and Latin America Natural gas is bringing major economic and social benefits to Latin America and its role will increase with demand forecast to grow 60% by 2040. By Orlando Cabrales Segovia Natural gas in Latin America is a driver
coast in the 1960s, moves to extend
2016, has proven to be a reliable and
of growth, as it is in the rest of the
access throughout the country and
safe back-up for the power generation
world, but its role in social develop
encourage mass consumption began
system. In 2018, the terminal received
ment is particularly important, giving
in the 1980s. This year, connections
seven shipments of natural gas and
people access to a cleaner-burning
have reached 10 million (representing
delivered 10 bcf (28 mcm) to the
energy supply and improving air
coverage of 70% of Colombia’s popu
national transport system, while during
quality and public health.
lation). Natural gas has become the
2019, six shipments were received
preferred and most competitive clean
delivering 5 bcf (140 mcm).
The share of natural gas in the energy matrix is expected to grow in several
fuel for commercial, industrial and
countries of the region and production
residential users, generating a true
and modernise. In the last five years,
will increase due to the development of
social revolution by playing a growing
the country’s gas pipeline network has
offshore, continental and unconventional
role in the development of businesses,
been extended by 278 km to reach
hydrocarbon resources. Regional and
family life and transport. We are sure
7,499 km. In terms of transmission, the
international trade – by pipeline and as
that these good results will continue.
expansion of the transport infrastruc
LNG – will also increase.
Some 20% of current production in
The industry continues to advance
ture in 2019 represented an investment
Colombia comes from discoveries
of $300 million, which added 220
Colombia is making progress
made in recent years inland in the
mcf/d (6 mcm/d) to the system. A new
In Colombia, where the use of natural
Caribbean region. In addition, the
plan to expand the country’s infra
gas dates back to a government
Cartagena LNG regasification terminal,
structure has been published recently
initiative started on the Caribbean
which was inaugurated in December
which envisages an investment of $1 billion, including a second regasifi
c Colombia’s gas resources include the offshore Chuchupa field in the Caribbean Guajira basin.
cation terminal on the Pacific coast in the next five years. In terms of mobility, last year ended with more than 1,500 heavy-duty dedicated vehicles in service repre sented by buses, trucks, dumpers and refuse trucks. Additionally, in 2019 the number of vehicles converted to hybrids (to run on compressed natural gas [CNG] and gasoline) increased by almost 40% over 2018. According to
42 The evolution of natural gas in Colombia and Latin America
