Black & Veatch completes feasibility study for Andes Energy Terminal in Colombia

Black & Veatch, a global leader in liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure solutions, has successfully completed a comprehensive feasibility study for the proposed Andes Energy Terminal, a multifaceted LNG regasification terminal and power plant project. The study meticulously evaluated site suitability, project design, cost estimates, financial viability, and climate resilience, marking a significant step toward addressing Colombia’s impending natural gas deficit.

In-Depth Analysis to Ensure Project Success

The feasibility study conducted by Black & Veatch covered several critical areas to ensure the Andes Energy Terminal (AET) is optimally positioned to meet the energy demands of southwest and central Colombia. The initial phase of the study included an assessment of the site’s landscape, regulatory compliance, and accessibility. This was followed by detailed project design and financial planning, which provided a clear roadmap for the development phases of the terminal.

Black & Veatch’s extensive experience in Latin America, spanning over 45 years, and its century-long expertise in critical infrastructure development were crucial in aligning the study’s objectives with the project’s requirements. “Working with the AET team to strategize around the project and its capacity to serve southwest and central Colombia’s energy needs displays our global commitment to delivering safe and reliable energy,” stated Laszlo von Lazar, President of Black & Veatch’s energy and process industries business.

Black & Veatch has finalized a feasibility study for Colombia’s Andes Energy Terminal, aiming to tackle the upcoming natural gas shortage.

Addressing Colombia’s Energy Needs Amid Natural Gas Deficit

The study’s findings come at a critical time as Colombia braces for a natural gas deficit starting in 2025, which is expected to worsen over time. Traditional solutions like importing gas from Venezuela or exploiting offshore fields in the Colombian Caribbean are deemed impractical for resolving this impending crisis. Manuel Tenorio, Chairman of the Andes Energy Terminal, highlighted the urgency of expanding LNG import and regasification capacity. “Unless LNG import and regasification capacity is expanded in the near term with new infrastructure in Buenaventura, the Colombian industry and households, particularly in the southwest, will suffer the consequences of this looming shortage of gas,” Tenorio emphasized.

Andes Energy Terminal – Strategic Location and Multifaceted Infrastructure

Located near the port city of Buenaventura on Colombia’s Pacific coast, the AET project is strategically placed within an area designated for industrial and port expansion. The site benefits from its proximity to a natural deep-water port, which simplifies logistics and regulatory processes, making it an ideal location for the terminal. The project includes a comprehensive set of facilities: an LNG terminal for receiving imported LNG, a land-based regasification plant, an LNG truck loading terminal, a power plant, and associated gas and electrical transmission infrastructure.

This multi-purpose infrastructure project is not only poised to meet the growing energy demands but also to stimulate economic growth and ensure energy security in the region.

The completion of the feasibility study by Black & Veatch for the Andes Energy Terminal represents a pivotal development in Colombia’s energy landscape. As the project moves toward the implementation phase, it stands as a testament to the potential of LNG to mitigate natural gas shortages effectively. The continued progress of the AET will be crucial for Colombia’s energy sustainability and economic stability.