Ecopetrol and Petrobras form a joint venture to market gas from Colombia’s Sirius project, enhancing regional energy security and sustainability.
Ecopetrol, Colombia’s state-owned energy company, and Petrobras, Brazil’s national oil corporation, have announced a strategic joint venture to market natural gas from Colombia’s offshore Sirius project. This partnership is designed to enhance the efficiency of gas commercialization and strengthen Colombia’s energy security amid growing domestic demand.
Located off Colombia’s Caribbean coast, the Sirius block is co-owned by Ecopetrol (55.6%) and Petrobras (44.4%), with Petrobras acting as the project’s operator. The field holds an estimated 6 billion cubic feet of natural gas and represents a substantial investment of about $5 billion. The companies expect operations to begin between 2029 and 2030, marking a key milestone in Colombia’s natural gas development roadmap.
Ecopetrol President Ricardo Roa stated that the agreement covers the marketing of up to 249 million cubic feet of gas per day for a period of six years. He explained that this collaboration ensures a transparent, efficient, and equitable allocation of gas resources from the Sirius field, ultimately helping stabilize Colombia’s natural gas supply. Roa emphasized that the initiative aligns with the government’s strategy to reduce dependency on imported fuels, which has grown in recent years as domestic production has declined.
Progress on the Sirius project continues steadily. In October, Petrobras Colombia’s president Alcindo Moritz reported that nearly half of the required prior consultations had been completed. These consultations—an integral part of Colombia’s regulatory framework—ensure that local and ethnic communities have the opportunity to participate in decisions affecting their lands, culture, and rights. The number of consultations increased from 116 to 120 in September, reflecting the project’s expanding engagement with community stakeholders.
Once operational, the Sirius project is expected to significantly boost Colombia’s self-sufficiency in energy. The partnership between Ecopetrol and Petrobras brings together Ecopetrol’s deep domestic market expertise with Petrobras’s proven offshore operational capabilities, creating a strong foundation for efficient production and sustainable resource management. Beyond energy output, the project is anticipated to generate employment opportunities and contribute to regional economic growth in northern Colombia.
In a separate development, Russia’s oil giant Lukoil announced plans to sell its international assets, although details regarding buyers or timelines were not disclosed.
The Ecopetrol–Petrobras alliance underscores the increasing value of regional energy cooperation across Latin America. As natural gas demand continues to expand, such partnerships will play a vital role in promoting sustainable resource development, improving infrastructure connectivity, and reinforcing energy security throughout the region.
