What’s next for Uchuva-2 after the challenge to the suspension of gas exploration

The National Government continues to move around the decision made by the IV Labor Court of the Santa Marta Circuit, in mid-September 2024, of suspend gas exploration and exploitation activities in the Uchuva-2 offshore well.

(See: Severe drought leads Ecopetrol to restrict gas sales to prioritize thermal power plants).

Following the announcement by the Ministry of Mines and Energy that it would challenge the court order, it was now the Ministry of the Interior that took the lead and spoke out on the case.

The portfolio released some clarifications made by the IV Labor Judge of the Santa Marta Circuit on Uchuva-2, which is located in the Tayrona block, in the middle of the Caribbean Sea and 32 km from the Colombian coast, as to that “The order was complex, disproportionate and contrary to the national interest, without prejudice to ethnic rights, when their recognition is appropriate.“.

(See: Minminas challenged decision on gas exploration in the Uchuva 2 well).

He added that The suspension of the project will not be immediate and? The challenge will be decided by a second instance judge.

“The clarification issued recognizes that the suspension of the project will not be immediate and the challenge presented by the parties involved remains in progress and will be resolved by a second instance judge.“, the Ministry of the Interior reported.

The defense action against the suspension of activities in Uchuva-2 was articulated between the Ministries of the Interior, Environment, Mines and Energy, The National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH), the National Environmental Licensing Authority (ANLA), Ecopetrol and Petrobras (the latter are allies in the project).

The decision of the IV Labor Court of the Santa Marta Circuit was made after a tutela action filed Ariel Daniels de Andreis, governor of the indigenous community of Taganga, with the purpose of protecting the right to prior consultation with the community.

Ecopetrol’s position

Ecopetrol, the country’s largest company, also commented on the case. Ricardo Roa, its president, He said the company is “respectful of all communities that could be impacted by the projects and the operation that we carry out, this within the framework of our social responsibility, and we comply with all laws, regulations, and regulations related to the development of these projects.“.

(See: Ecopetrol’s message: ‘Uchuva-2 is key to the country’s energy security’).

He also stated that, in compliance with the court order, pre-assurance activities will be carried out”that allow preserving people’s lives, protecting the environment and maintaining the integrity of the exploratory well“.

However, he clarified that Uchuva-2 is important “to have the gas reserves that the country needs in the coming years, before the end of this decade” and what are you waiting for “reactivate the activities we developed in that exploratory block“.

(See: Ruling orders Ecopetrol and Petrobras to suspend exploration of the Uchuva 2 well).

“We Colombians have high expectations regarding the extraction of these important gas reservoirs. Uchuva-2 is key to ensuring the country’s energy security.“, Roa concluded.

PORTFOLIO