Colombia Nuclear Energy

The Government of Colombia introduced the first nuclear safety bill (Bill 466 of 2024) in Congress, aimed at creating a national regulatory framework for nuclear technologies in line with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards. If passed, this bill would open the Colombian nuclear market, creating export opportunities for U.S. nuclear technology companies.

The bill includes provisions to create a National Authority for Nuclear Safety (acronym in Spanish ANSN), manage radioactive waste, regulate radiation exposure, and promote nuclear-related research and innovation.

A key feature of the bill is its emphasis on physical security and cybersecurity at nuclear and radioactive facilities to prevent risks such as theft, sabotage, unauthorized access, and cyberattacks. The ANSN will require operators to implement advanced intrusion detection, remote monitoring, electronic surveillance, and resilient digital defenses consistent with international best practices. This rigorous regulatory and security framework positions Colombia as a regional pioneer in nuclear safety and technology governance.

According to documents from the Ministry of Mines and Energy’s Planning Unit (UPME), Colombia plans to introduce 300 MW of nuclear power using Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology in 2035, add another 600 MW by 2045, and reach a total of 1,884 MW by 2050.  SMRs are favored for their shorter construction times and scalability, making them a practical choice for gradual integration.  As part of this energy diversification strategy, public companies such as Public Utilities of Medellin (Spanish acronym: EPM) and the state oil company Ecopetrol are actively exploring nuclear energy as a long-term alternative to support grid reliability and meet Colombia’s future energy demands. If passed, the bill would enable Colombia to begin deploying nuclear power by 2035. 

Colombia’s current power generation capacity is approximately 20,231 MW. In this context, a 300 MW nuclear plant would account for around 1.5% of the total capacity, while 1,884 MW by 2050 would represent just under 10% of the current installed capacity.

If the development of Colombia’s nuclear energy ecosystem is of interest to your company, we invite you to reach out to Commercial Specialist, Norcia Ward, so we can keep you informed of any new developments in this emerging industry.