Colombia drafts rules for 5 MW+ batteries

Colombia’s CREG has opened Draft Resolution CREG 701_103, of 2025, for public comment until Oct. 19. The resolution defines a regulatory framework for BESS by establishing criteria for the installation, operation, remuneration, and participation of batteries in the National Interconnected System.

CREG suggests an independent BESS must have a nominal capacity of at least 5 MW to operate as a centrally dispatched unit. The draft regulation also indicates revenues would depend on whether BESS are connected to the National Transmission System, Regional Transmission System, or Local Distribution System.

UPME would determine the estimated value of projects and developers would have to submit a guarantee of 20% of that figure, according to the draft document.

Network operators would include BESS requirements in their expansion plans; specifying maximum capacity, minimum delivery time in hours, efficiency standards, and operational start-up dates. The legislation also provides for BESS to be used as network assets to manage congestion, postpone infrastructure investment, control voltage, and support contingencies.

The CREG document would also authorize BESS participation in the wholesale energy market and in frequency regulation services, including the possibility of purchasing energy during low-demand hours and selling it during peak consumption periods to optimize system operation.

The draft legislation is intended to fill regulatory gaps left by the December 2022 expiry of CREG Resolution 098, of 2019, which partially defined the use of BESS in transmission networks.

The Ministry of Energy and Mines said the proposed new rules would ensure fairer rates, boost investment, and clarify regulation for the integration and remuneration of BESS in Colombia.

From pv magazine LatAm.