Colombia's Energy Transformation: A Call to Strengthen Local Industry and Secure National Sovereignty

• Centelsa by Nexans underscores the need for a regulatory framework to protect local industry during the energy transition.
• Law 1715 of 2014, designed for renewables, poses challenges for domestic industry, Centelsa by Nexans warns at energy conference.
• Innovation and local talent are vital for Colombia's energy sovereignty, urges Centelsa by Nexans.

Bogotá, October 2025 – Colombia is at a critical juncture for its energy future. The government and key industry players are driving conversations aimed not only at enriching the sector's knowledge but also at making an urgent call for a clean and reliable energy transition that propels industrial development, innovation, and national sovereignty.

In this context, Centelsa by Nexans, a company with seven decades of experience in the energy and electrical sector, is calling for a push to enhance the country's competitive development by contributing an essential technical and strategic vision to the debate surrounding this goal.

The Challenge of Demand and Local Capacity

A central point of this discussion is the growth in electricity demand in the country. Projections for 2027-2028 indicate a need for up to 6,000 megawatts of new generation capacity and an urgent need for an eightfold increase in renewable energy generation capacity by 2025.

Luis Ernesto Silva, Managing Director for Nexans in South America, highlights that "the local industry is experiencing remarkable dynamism in equipment manufacturing, positioning the country as a key player in the sector's transformation. However, it is crucial to protect and strengthen our national production capacity against foreign competition to ensure that integration into global markets does not compromise the viability of strategic sectors or the stability of local employment."

Drawing from a deep technical understanding of the sector, he warns of the risks of foreign dependency and proposes concrete strategies to ensure a sustainable and sovereign energy future for the country. He emphasizes that while trade relationships are beneficial to the industry, they are often asymmetrical, creating challenges for the productivity and competitiveness of less-favored industries. In Colombia, the 135.2% growth in imports from China over the last 10 years, coupled with the prioritization of imported products in transmission and distribution projects, has negatively impacted sectors such as the steel industry.

The Paradox of Law 1715 and Competitiveness

Another crucial point of debate is Law 1715 of 2014, designed to promote renewable energy. Although its goal is laudable, Luis Ernesto Silva emphasized that "Colombia's energy transition cannot come at the expense of our own industry; we need to level the playing field." This statement alludes to the fact that a modification in the law, specifically regarding VAT treatment, would allow domestic manufacturers to compete on equal footing, thereby strengthening local production and ensuring that the wealth generated by this transition benefits the country.

The Colombian electrical sector faces sustained demand growth and an imminent risk of a deficit. In this context, the local industry is a key ally in guaranteeing the security and sovereignty of the supply. It is time to move towards a transformation that strengthens and secures a prosperous and autonomous energy future for the country.

About Nexans

Nexans is a pure global player in sustainable electrification, building the essential systems that power the world's transition to a connected, resilient, and low-carbon future. From onshore and offshore renewables to smart cities and homes, Nexans designs and delivers advanced cabling, accessories, and services that electrify progress safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

With over 140 years of history and through three main businesses—PWR Transmission, PWR Grid, and PWR Connect—Nexans combines deep industry expertise with cutting-edge innovation to accelerate the energy transition and better meet its customers' needs. Its unique E3 model, focused on Environment, Economy, and Engagement, guides every action, aligning performance with purpose.

Nexans operates in 41 countries with 28,500 people and generated standard sales of €7.1 billion in 2024. As a recognized leader in climate action, Nexans is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), and to expanding energy access through the Nexans Foundation.

Nexans has been present in Colombia since 2008 and in April 2022 completed the acquisition of the premium Colombian cable manufacturer, CENTELSA, with the firm purpose of continuing to electrify the future of Colombia and Latin America. The Group expects to continue consolidating its value proposition along the electrification chain, reaffirming itself as a strategic ally in the region's energy transition.

Nexans is listed on Euronext Paris, Compartment A. www.nexans.com | #ElectrifyTheFuture

 

Press Contact:
Maria Isabel Taborda V 
Senior Account Executive- Burson 
3176386838
Maria.taborda@bcw-global.com