La Guajira, Cesar, and Magdalena connect through the energy transition: the Cuestecitas–Copey–Fundación line begins operations.

In a key step toward the country's energy transformation, the government announced the entry into operation of the Cuestecitas–Copey–Fundación interconnection line (500/220 kV), a strategic project that will strengthen the reliability of the national electricity system and facilitate the incorporation of clean energy generated in northern Colombia.

Located between the departments of La Guajira, Cesar, and Magdalena, this transmission line is consolidating its position as one of the key infrastructures for the energy transition, enabling the connection of large-scale wind and solar projects to the National Interconnected System (SIN).

The initiative was developed by Sociedad Interconexión Eléctrica SAESP (ISA), under an environmental license granted by the National Environmental Licensing Authority (ANLA) through Resolution 285 of January 31, 2022. Since its approval, the project has undergone rigorous monitoring, technical adjustment, and environmental assessment processes, ensuring compliance with sustainability, efficiency, and social participation standards.

During the announcement, the acting Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development and Director General of ANLA, Irene Vélez Torres, described the line's launch as "a historic milestone for the country's just energy transition."

"We are investing everything in the environmental sector today, in a just energy transition, because we are convinced that the energy transition and the development of these energy infrastructure projects are compatible with protecting nature," said Vélez Torres.

The minister emphasized that the project symbolizes an exercise in trust and support between the State and the communities, which, she said, reflects "the power of the people and democracy to make the right decisions in the territory."

In his view, these types of projects not only contribute to reducing greenhouse gases through the integration of clean energy, but also have the potential to "reverse the territorial inequality" that have historically affected regions like La Guajira.

Environment and Health Journalist