Colombia’s fossil fuel phase-out roadmap outlines a pathway to reduce fossil fuel use by around 90% by 2050, combining electrification, renewable energy expansion, and structural economic transformation across sectors. Developed through a collaboration between Colombian and UK experts, the plan emphasises a "Real Zero" transition that prioritizes absolute emission reductions over offsets.
In the power sector, the transition is driven by rapid deployment of solar and wind energy, replacing fossil-based generation and enabling a largely renewable electricity system. In transport, the roadmap emphasises large-scale electrification—particularly electric vehicles and public transport—alongside the use of biofuels and hydrogen for heavy and long-distance transport. The industry and buildings sectors focus on energy efficiency improvements and electrification of heat and processes, supported by low-carbon technologies such as hydrogen and carbon capture for harder-to-abate activities. Beyond end-use sectors, the roadmap highlights a major economic shift away from fossil fuel exports toward alternative industries, including green hydrogen, biofuels, and critical minerals, to maintain economic stability. Lastly, cross-cutting measures include substantial investment in clean energy, grid expansion, and demand-side management, all framed within a “just transition” approach to ensure economic resilience and social stability.All in all, the roadmap addresses the critical need for a "just transition" by proposing a structured plan to replace declining fossil fuel export revenues with new sectors, such as critical mineral exports like copper, and ensuring support and retraining for affected communities.
