COLOMBIA - Interconexión Eléctrica (ISA) has advanced the permitting process for its 500 kV La Loma-Sogamoso transmission line in the north of the country.

The project will traverse the departments of Cesar, Santander and Norte de Santander, requiring investments $77 million, ISA said in a filing with national licensing authority Anla.

It forms part of a series of new grid connections that aim to reinforce supply in the Caribbean region, which is home to most of Colombia's biggest solar and wind developments.

Meanwhile, Colombian gas transporter TGI has begun the licensing phase for a proposed pipeline upgrade in central Tolima department.

The company expects to invest $6 million to expand transport capacity for liquids and gases between the towns of Mariquita and Gualanday.

In other energy sector licensing news, Parex Resources submitted an environmental impact study for its proposed development of the VIM-53 oil and gas block in northern Colombia, reports BNamericas.

Source: BNamericas