Barranquilla y Minminas oversees maintenance of regasification plant SPEC: 'there is no risk to gas and electricity supply'

On August 1, 2026, Colombia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Edwin Palma, conducted an inspection of the Air-e Intervenida operations in Barranquilla, focusing on the maintenance work being carried out at the SPEC regasification terminal. The visit aimed to assess the performance of the electrical system and monitor progress on the planned maintenance activities at the facility. According to officials, there have been no disruptions in the supply of gas or electricity so far, despite the ongoing work at the key infrastructure site. The SPEC terminal plays a vital role in the supply of natural gas to the Caribbean region of Colombia, particularly during periods of high energy demand. During his visit, Palma toured the control center responsible for monitoring the power service in the departments of Atlántico, Magdalena, and La Guajira, regions heavily reliant on thermal plants for electricity generation. He confirmed that the maintenance work was progressing according to schedule and that essential services remained unaffected. Palma noted that approximately 59 percent of the maintenance tasks had been completed as of the morning of August 1, with projections indicating that around 76 percent would be achieved by the end of the day. This pace aligns with the technical plan established for the project. The minister emphasized that all activities were proceeding within the scheduled timeframe, ensuring uninterrupted operation of the system for users in the Caribbean region. “The provision of the service and the supply of gas remain under normal conditions,” Palma stated during his tour of the Air-e Intervenida facilities. “Everything is advancing as planned.” He reiterated the government's commitment to continuous monitoring until the completion of the works, aiming to ensure the stability of the national electrical system. The maintenance efforts involve coordination among multiple stakeholders, including Air-e Intervenida, XM, the operator of the National Interconnected System, and other agents responsible for the country’s energy supply. This collaboration ensures that thermal plants continue to receive the necessary fuel to support electricity generation while the regasification terminal undergoes its upgrades. Recent concerns had arisen in various sectors of the energy market due to the critical importance of the SPEC terminal in supplying imported gas used by several thermal plants in the Caribbean. However, the government has maintained that the measures taken have ensured continuity of service without operational issues. According to Palma, the maintenance process also serves as a test of the system’s ability to respond to scenarios of increased demand. He described the work as a kind of technical exercise designed to anticipate potential challenges, such as those that could arise from an intensified El Niño phenomenon, a climate pattern that has been warned about by specialized organizations. The government continues to emphasize its oversight of the situation, ensuring that the maintenance does not compromise the reliability of the energy supply. Officials have stressed that the infrastructure improvements are part of broader efforts to strengthen the resilience of Colombia’s energy systems against future disruptions.