Green Energy Investments in Latin America – cases from Colombia

The seminar will focus on three case studies from La Guajira, Colombia (EPM, AES Colombia, ENEL), addressing the challenges faced by companies working in Indigenous territories. These case studies will explore the differing perspectives of Indigenous peoples, who see the land as a space with deep cultural and spiritual significance, and companies, who primarily view it as an investment opportunity for wind energy.

Background to the Seminar

La Guajira, located in the northernmost part of Colombia and forming part of the country’s Caribbean region, is considered a key area for the country’s energy transition due to its vast potential in wind and solar energy. However, the region faces structural challenges, including infrastructure limitations and the need to effectively engage with the Wayúu Indigenous people, the inhabitants of La Guajira.

Wind energy projects in La Guajira have created both economic opportunities and challenges. For Indigenous communities, the land holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, while for companies, it represents a resource for investment security, sustainability, and climate change solutions. This seminar will provide a platform for business leaders to share their experiences and insights in managing these complex dynamics.

Participants from Colombia

• Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM)
  • Speaker: María Teresa Bautista González, Environmental and Social Professional – Environmental and Social Management Unit.
  • EPM is a Colombian public utility company based in Medellín, known for its leadership in the energy and water sectors. With a strong commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility, EPM has been instrumental in developing renewable energy projects in Colombia, including the Jepirachi Wind Farm in La Guajira. Over its 20-year presence in the region, EPM has gained extensive experience in managing environmental and social challenges while contributing to Colombia’s energy transition (https://www.epm.com.co/).
• AES Colombia
  • Diego Patrón Arcila, General Manager, Jemeiwaa Ka I (AES Colombia)
  • AES Colombia is part of the global AES Corporation, a leading energy company that develops and operates power plants in multiple countries. AES Colombia is particularly active in the renewable energy sector, with the Jemeiwaa Ka I wind energy project in La Guajira as a key initiative. The company is focused on community engagement and corporate social responsibility, aiming to build trust with Indigenous communities while advancing its renewable energy investments in the region (https://www.aescol.com/en).
• ENEL
  • Mónica Uribe Mariño, Head of Sustainability and Circular Economy, Power Generation Colombia and Central America (ENEL)
  • ENEL is a multinational energy company and one of the world's largest producers of renewable energy. In Colombia, ENEL has been involved in several significant renewable energy projects, and ENEL continues to focus on sustainability, circular economy practices, and responsible corporate citizenship in its operations across Colombia and Central America (https://www.enelamericas.com/).