Speaking during his inauguration, de la Espriella said Colombia would pursue an energy transition — a shift away from oil, gas and coal toward cleaner energy sources such as wind and solar power — but insisted it must not come at the expense of the country’s oil and gas industry. “I believe in the energy transition,” he said. Calling energy security “a matter of national sovereignty,” de la Espriella said Colombia could not expect long-term prosperity by leaving its natural resources undeveloped. He said his administration would also expand oil and gas exploration to rebuild Colombia’s declining reserves, guarantee the country’s energy security and attract investment back into the sector. The president warned Colombia’s energy system was in a “critical situation,” citing declining oil and gas reserves, delayed energy projects and rising electricity demand.