Colombia has been growing rapidly in the development of non-conventional renewable energy projects, both on a large scale through auctions, and on a small scale with incentive frameworks for distributed generation.
However, some business owners believe that it is necessary to promote some regulations that facilitate medium-scale development.
In a webinar produced by Energía Estratégica, this question was directed to the Vice Minister of Energy, Diego Mesa , who highlighted that "there are mechanisms in place for medium-scale projects," such as the extension of VAT and the removal of tariffs for imported products.
"We are trying to encourage industries and businesses that are not large energy consumers, but do use considerable amounts, to install their own solar parks, for example, to self-consume energy and inject surpluses into the grid," the official highlighted.
In this regard, Jordi Mestre Fontanals , Manager of Colombia Solar (CSCI), acknowledges the Government's efforts to incentivize renewables but suggests that the Energy and Gas Regulatory Commission (CREG) issue regulations that allow the development of projects up to 20 MW more expeditiously.
In an interview with this news portal, the businessman explains that nowadays, to move forward with a project of this nature, it is a requirement to connect to an electrical substation of a network operator.
This makes it difficult for businesses located far from a substation, not only because of the costs of power lines but also because of the easement requests required for their route.
"Building a line to a distant substation results in easements, high costs, and energy losses," warns Mestre, explaining that this requirement "reduces the number of projects" to only those located near connection points.
The businessman proposes that developers be able to build their own substations and connect to the medium-voltage power lines of the distributors. How would this work? The businessman explains that network operators can manage these installations with remote security systems, known as OCR, allowing them to remotely connect and disconnect the power supply if any problems arise.
Regarding the cost of the works, the CSCI Manager emphasizes that they would be borne by the project promoter and that he should "donate" the work to the distributor, so that this expense is not charged as a fixed asset and could cause extra expenses to the taxpayers.
The businessman explains that this is how it works in Spain, and that's how many photovoltaic solar projects of up to 20 MW have been developed. "In short, there's no better solution than this: more impetus for renewable energies, a better local economy, better grid stability, and faster construction times."
And even improve some networks of companies that need it, at the promoter's expense.
"This would promote network investments that companies would save on," Mestre points out.
The CSCI Manager indicates that these ventures could supply businesses and industries through private PPAs.
Similarly, it could trade energy with the network operator itself. 
Jordi Mestre Fontanals, Manager of Colombia Solar (CSCI)