Navigating Challenges and Perspectives: Renewable Energy Investments in Indigenous Territories and Local Communities in Colombia and Denmark

Seminar Overview

The first part of the seminar will focus on three case studies from La Guajira, Colombia (EPM, AES Colombia, ENEL), addressing the challenges faced by companies working in Indigenous territories. These case studies will explore the differing perspectives of Indigenous peoples, who see the land as a space with deep cultural and spiritual significance, and companies, who primarily view it as an investment opportunity for wind energy.

The second part of the seminar will shift to Denmark, presenting concrete examples and lessons learned from the country’s energy transition. Simon Westergaard Lex will offer insights into resistance, co-ownership, and procedural justice in Danish local communities, comparing these experiences to those in Colombia.

Program:

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM: Welcome and Introduction 

Jacobo Ramirez & Léna Prouchet (CBS) 

9:15 AM - 9:30 AM: Case Study 1: Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM) 

María Teresa Bautista González 
Environmental and Social Professional – Environmental and Social Management Unit, EPM

9:30 AM - 9:45 AM: Case Study 2: AES Colombia 

Diego Patrón Arcila
General Manager, Jemeiwaa Ka I (AES Colombia)

9:45 AM - 10:00 AM: Case Study 3: ENEL 

Mónica Uribe Mariño 
Head of Sustainability and Circular Economy, Power Generation Colombia and Central America (ENEL)

10:00 AM - 10:15 AM: Break 

10:15 AM - 10:45 AM: A Perspective from Denmark: Energy Resistance and Co-ownership

Simon Westergaard Lex (Copenhagen University)

10:45 AM - 11:45 AM: Discussion and Q&A 

11:45 AM - 12:00 PM: Closing Remarks 

Jacobo Ramirez & Léna Prouchet (CBS)