Empowering Colombia’s Just Energy Transition

The project works across two complementary areas. First, it supports the transformation of Colombia’s renewable energy framework by identifying regulatory, planning and market reforms needed to accelerate the deployment of non-conventional renewable energy sources (NCRE), developing an institutional strategy for implementing these reforms, and exploring improved approaches to renewable energy auctions. This includes examining how auction design can improve the bankability and competitiveness of renewable energy projects, while integrating social, environmental and territorial co-benefits where appropriate.

Second, the project supports a just transition away from coal-fired power generation. It combines technical analysis of the feasibility of coal phase-out with social and labour considerations to develop a collaboratively informed coal phase-out roadmap and strategy. Particular attention is given to the implications for coal-dependent regions and workers, including skills, employment pathways and opportunities for productive reconversion.

The project also works directly with workers and their representatives to translate evidence into practical opportunities. This includes identifying transferable skills and barriers to labour transition, engaging trade unions and public institutions in the design of capacity-building activities, and supporting pathways that can improve workers’ access to employment in emerging sectors of the energy transition.

Taken together, these areas of work aim to support an energy transition that is not only faster and more technically feasible, but also responsive to the social and economic dimensions of the transition. By connecting renewable energy policy and market reform with coal phase-out planning and workforce transition, the project seeks to generate practical evidence and strengthen the conditions for a more inclusive and sustainable transformation of Colombia’s energy system.