Colombia presents a new environmental license scheme for solar projects

The National Government announced The Decree Project that establishes a new solar environmental license (Lasolar) aimed at photovoltaic energy generation projects, with an installed capacity between 10 and 100 megawatts. The document, prepared by the National Authority for Environmental Licensing (ANLA) in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, was published on July 23, 2025 for citizen consultation.

The main objective of this measure is to expedite the environmental licensing process, reducing up to 70% the time required to process this type of permissions. The new license will apply exclusively to projects considered low environmental impact, and is part of a government strategy to facilitate the implementation of clean energy in the country.

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The adjustments proposed by the project include defined deadlines for each stage of the process. Once the application is filed, the ANLA will have five business days to verify the documentation and issue the starting order.

Subsequently, it will have ten business days to request additional information, if necessary. The applicant, in turn, will have a period of up to 30 business days to respond, with the possibility of extension. Finally, the entity will have ten more business days to issue its decision.

The implementation of the “Lasolar” will also allow the ANLA to play a more active role during the project preparation phase, thanks to the technological capabilities of its Environmental Monitoring Center. The entity may issue specific terms of reference and provide technical supplies for environmental impact studies.

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In addition to contributing to the energy transition, This license recognizes the public utility and social benefit of solar projects, and seeks to promote the participation of local communities, as stipulated in the National Development Plan 2022–2026.