Colombia’s Ecopetrol has engaged PIO for regasification services on the Pacific Coast to combat anticipated natural gas shortages by 2025. The project includes new facilities in Buenaventura and Buga, with operations beginning in Q2 2026. Ecopetrol plans significant investment in exploration and infrastructure to sustain energy supply for 40 million citizens and has recently discovered a major gas field offshore.
Colombia’s state-owned oil and gas enterprise, Ecopetrol, has awarded a contract to Puertos, Inversiones y Obras (PIO) for the provision of regasification services along the Pacific Coast. This initiative includes the construction of receipt and storage facilities in Buenaventura, along with a regasification plant in Buga, designed to handle a capacity of 60 million cubic feet per day (mcfd). Operations are slated to commence in the second quarter of 2026.
Ecopetrol has emphasized that this contract is a strategic maneuver aimed at diversifying the supply of natural gas prior to the commencement of offshore projects. Notably, Buenaventura is also the proposed site for another significant liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, the Andes Energy Terminal (AET), with feasibility studies conducted by Black & Veatch concluding in May 2024.
Anticipating a natural gas shortfall in 2025, Colombia will be required to import a substantial portion of its gas. The enhancement of regasification capabilities along the Pacific Coast has been deemed essential to meet domestic demand. Ecopetrol has noted that this contract is expected to augment the natural gas supply for over 40 million Colombian citizens.
Furthermore, Ecopetrol intends to advance strategic investments to secure the stability and growth of its oil and gas sector, dedicating $1.37 billion for exploration over the next three years. This reflects the company’s commitment to the sustainability of Colombia’s energy resources.
Recently, Ecopetrol, along with its partner Petrobras, announced a significant offshore natural gas discovery, described as the country’s most notable gas finding to date. This development illustrates the promising outlook for Colombia’s energy landscape.
In summary, Ecopetrol is taking proactive measures to address the anticipated natural gas deficit through regasification initiatives. The partnership with PIO and the development of critical infrastructure will enhance supply to millions of Colombians. The ongoing investments signify Ecopetrol’s dedication to the stability and sustainability of the energy sector, especially in light of recent gas discoveries offshore Colombia.
Original Source: www.offshore-energy.biz
