Colombia’s energy unions view the transition as an opportunity for structural change. Their central objectives are reindustrialization aimed at achieving energy and food sovereignty and water justice. In line with this egalitarian, collective, and territorially grounded model of development, unions – especially those in the coal sector – are promoting worker cooperatives in renewable energy, technology, and agriculture. In his contribution to the “Deep Democracy” series, Dario Azzellini explores the intertwining of energy democratization and the development of an alternative economy.

The victory of far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella in Colombia’s June 21 presidential run-off was a shock to popular movements and particularly unions in the energy sector. Espriella won 12.96 million votes (49.66%), up 2.6 million from the first round, narrowly defeating left-wing senator Iván Cepeda, who took 12.71 million votes (48.7%), a gain of 3.04 million. Cepeda drew 1.4 million more votes than incumbent President Gustavo Petro received in 2022 – more than any leftist candidate in the country’s history. Yet it wasn’t enough.... 

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Energy Transition in Colombia: Unions Fight for Energy Democratization and an Alternative Economy