Colombia published Decree No. 0393/2026, which for the first time defines the guidelines for integrating energy storage systems (ESS) , both in the National Interconnected System (SIN) and in the Non-Interconnected Zones (ZNI).
The new framework not only enabled the incorporation of these technologies, but also defined their role within planning and opened the door to their remuneration in the electricity market , a key aspect to unlock investments in this segment.
"Today Colombia takes a structural step towards energy reliability.
"It's not just another decree, it's the enabling document that was missing ," stated Diego Fernando Román, Director of Energy at the Ministry of Mines and Energy.
In regulatory terms, the decree established the conditions for the incorporation and remuneration of SAE , consolidating its recognition as strategic infrastructure within the energy system
The measure marked a turning point for the Colombian electricity sector , which moved from a conceptual discussion to a phase of concrete implementation, in a context of increasing renewable penetration that demands greater operational flexibility.
The regulations, therefore, come at a key moment for the country, since Colombia currently exceeds 3000 MW of installed solar capacity , with increasingly relevant utility scale projects within the matrix, which increases the need for operational flexibility to manage the variability of these sources.
Meanwhile, the renewable pipeline already reaches 4200 MW under development , although the system itself recognizes that at least an additional 6000 MW will still be needed to meet future demand and ensure reliability, which deepens the need for solutions such as storage.
Furthermore, the regulations recognize key services such as frequency regulation, voltage control, rapid response, and autonomous start-up, which are fundamental to the operational stability of the system.
In addition, there is the possibility of carrying out energy arbitrage , allowing cost optimization through price management at different times of the day.
The impact of the decree was especially relevant in the Non-Interconnected Zones , where storage can modify the logic of electricity service provision, improving continuity and expanding available technological solutions.
In turn, the regulatory framework established a concrete roadmap for its implementation , with clear signals for the market.
The Energy and Gas Regulatory Commission (CREG) must define the remuneration schemes within a maximum period of 12 months, while the Mining and Energy Planning Unit (UPME) and the Ministry will integrate these technologies into the expansion plans
The decree also included a backup mechanism that enables the Ministry to move forward in case of regulatory delays , ensuring effective implementation.
In parallel, Colombia moved forward with Resolution 40178 of 2026 , which defines the general rules for the implementation of long-term clean energy contracting mechanisms , introducing a structural change in the electricity market.
Unlike the decree that establishes public policy guidelines for the integration of SAE, this resolution acts on market design , enabling the participation of storage within competitive schemes such as auctions.
The new framework allows for long-term contracts of up to 15 years and expands the scope of auctions by integrating not only generation, but also storage as part of energy solutions , thus changing the traditional logic of the Colombian electricity market.
In fact, the latest regulatory signals show that BESS systems are beginning to be a requirement or a competitive differentiator within auctions , in line with the system's need for firm and manageable capacity.
Both instruments, although different in nature, are complementary : while the decree enables, orders and defines the role of storage in the electrical system, the resolution creates market conditions for its development and financing.