Repsol in Colombia

Colombia is a country with an emerging economy and a mining-energy sector that has grown significantly in recent years. It is located in northwestern South America, bordering Venezuela and Brazil to the east, Peru and Ecuador to the south, and Panama to the northwest.

We arrived in Colombia in 1974 as Hispanoil S.A. with the Orocué contract. Then in 1988 we officially changed our name from Hispanoil to REPSOL EXPLORACIÓN COLOMBIA to develop exploration and production activities throughout the country. Colombia is a strategic country for the company and one of the key areas for our development. Since 2021 we have had a Lubricants area in Colombia.

In terms of lubricants and specialized products, we offer a wide range of synthetic, semi-synthetic, and mineral-based lubricants that meet the needs of all our customers, for motorcycles, cars, trucks, public works machinery, and all types of industrial applications. Developed in the largest private research center in Spain and by a group of more than 200 researchers and scientists. We have the most cutting-edge technology to manufacture the most advanced lubricants. Repsol lubricants production plants supply more than 70 countries and ensure that our products meet the most demanding quality standards and regulations. Discover our wide range of synthetic, semi-synthetic, and mineral lubricants for different protection needs. Repsol Lubricants, beyond innovation.

Project map, lines of action, and main figures

Main project

Aerial view of the Akacías project

Akacías project

The Akacías production field, operated by ECOPETROL, is located in the Acacías and Guamal municipalities in the Department of Meta. The field has 37 active wells built into 7 clusters, and current production is around 21,500 BOPD.


The development of the project includes a total of 74 wells, in mechanical and electrical interconnection to a fluid treatment facility - CPF (Central Production Facilities), which is expected to be completed by mid 2024. The execution phase of the project began in 2022. This development evaluates the incorporation of energy transformation strategies such as geothermal energy, solar generation, and green hydrogen, which are in the pre-feasibility phase.

Additonally, the discovery of the area of Guamal, south of the Akacías production field, is being assessed to determine its potential in being included as part of Block CPO-09.

In the exploratory areas of Block CPO-09 there are discoveries in the blocks known as Guaco and Yátaro.

Our commitment to development

At Repsol, we are firmly committed to the communities that live near the areas where we operate. We work together with these communities to find ways to contribute to improving their quality of life, and we were in fact the first oil company to sign an agreement with the United Nations in Colombia.

Repsol worldwide. Image of a beach in La Guajira

Success story: No-go in La Guajira

This project demonstrates Repsol's commitment to respecting human rights. In the La Guajira region of Colombia, we carried out a human rights impact assessment which resulted in the Company's decision to not go through with the exploration project.

Several hands on a tree trunk

Our commitment to equity

We are constantly seeking and renewing our affiliations to global and local causes in favor of equity and diversity. We are part of the advisory committee of Diversidad Que Transforma (Ministry of Mines and Energy), the WEP's community, Pacto Global Colombia, and Mujeres Oil & Gas, among other leading initiatives in the transformation towards a more equitable and diverse society and industry.

A woman collects fruit from a plant

Competitiveness in rural areas

Together with the Canadian embassy and Socodevi we are working on a project to help make collective rural businesses more competitive (Procompite), by increasing agricultural production and supporting existing production chains and organizations. There are currently 880 families benefiting from this initiative.

A man and two women pose for a photo with a building in the background

Sustainable settlements

In cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme we are working on “Sustainable Settlements” to improve the quality of life of more than 500 families, encouraging entrepreneurs, supporting local businesses, and helping people enter the job market.

A man uses a a craft machine

Human rights training

In a joint effort with the Repsol Foundation and Zabala Innovation, we provide training to the indigenous peoples living in Guajita and farmers in the Meta region of Colombia, in order to teach them about their rights and to help strengthen these communities’ social structure.

Repsol in Colombia. Hands hold red berries

The indigenous Wayuu people

In Alta Guajira we work with a local indigenous community called the Wayuu. In 2014, we launched a project in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to improve local access to drinking water. In 2017 we built the Ramón Paz Ipuana Library using Repsol Foundation funds, and in 2018 we brought Bogotá’s International Book Fair to this part of Colombia for the first time in 31 years.

A smiling farmer

Agroemprende cacao

Agro emprende cacao is a commitment to regional economic strengthening that is sustainable, inclusive, and profitable.

The project called Agroemprende Cacao is an initiative that is part of the development of Procompite (Project to Strengthen the Competitiveness of Rural Associative Enterprises). This initiative seeks to economically empower cocoa producers by supporting more than 5,000 producer families in the Department of Meta, providing a comprehensive response to the problems of rural development in the region by integrating several concepts such as: good agricultural practices, natural resource management, and the integration of associative enterprises to formal markets, promoting the economic autonomy of women by increasing their productivity and income and contributing to the closing of gender gaps.

To date, different branches of the project have stood out in a very significant way, even obtaining local recognition such as 2 Cacaos de Oro awards in 2021 and 2023, respectively, and a Cacao de Plata in 2022. It also stands out internationally by ranking cocoa samples from this project among the top 50 in the world (Salon Du Chocolat de Paris 2023).

This is a partnership between Repsol, the Canadian Embassy, and Socodevi and will last for 6 years (2019 - 2025).

Our commitment to sustainability

Sustainability is present in our daily business. Our best practices contribute to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, as outlined in the United Nations 2030 Agenda. Find out more about our Sustainability Plans (2 MB). 

HS-ACP award

ACP Sustainability Facts, Partnership for Sustainable Development - 2023

In mid-2023, the Colombian Oil and Gas Association (ACP) awarded Repsol Colombia recognition as one of its affiliated company leaders in the management of sustainable development with industry peers and other key players in the energy transformation journey and the development of the hydrocarbons sector in Colombia.

Varias personas formando parte de un ritual

Award for Best Practices in Sustainable Development 2021 in the category of Human Rights - SDG 10

Fourth version of the award Best Practices in Sustainable Development, this time in the special category Human Rights and Businesses for our best practices in: Human Rights Impact Assessment as a mechanism for gaining prior knowledge and earning mutual respect - Guajira.

Premio Cacao de oro 2021

Gold Cocoa Award - 2021

Through the Agroemprende Cocoa project, the Agroguamal Association was awarded the grand prize at the eighth edition of the Gold Cocoa National Contest.

Leonel Murillo, the winner of the prize, is a member of the Agroguamal Association, affiliated with the WORKAKAO cooperative. This award demonstrates the joint efforts from he and his family, their associates, technical advisors from SOCODEVI, and the unconditional support from Canada, Repsol, and Ecopetrol, who were both partners and major co-funders of the Agroemprende Cacao project in the Meta department.

Libro de Buenas Prácticas

Participation in the book "Best Practices toward gender equality in organizations in Colombia - Large Companies" - 2021

Repsol Colombia was one of 25 companies selected as success stories for implementing gender equality strategies. The book hightlights the work of Colombian businesses that seek equality in their organizational methods. This recognition was awarded by Fundación She Is and Global Compact (Colombia).

Sello Verde de Verdad

Verde de Verdad​ seal – 2020

Repsol Colombia received the Verde de Verdad Seal in the Seed category, awarded by CO20, for its voluntary carbon footprint calculation and compensation actions. This prize is an environmental seal that recognizes the positive work of organizations that prove their commitment to ensuring that each product, process, or company is meeting standards to protect the environment and mitigate climate change.

Una agricultora trabajando

Award for Best Practices in Sustainable Development 2020 in the Human Rights category - SDG 5

This recognition was awarded by the UN Global Compact in the category "Actions to promote rural development" for our contribution to SDG 5 - Gender Equality with the Procompite project: Strengthening competitiveness in rural associate companies.

Certificado Experiencias significativas

Recognition for significant examples in Environmental and Social Management in the mining and energy sector - 2020

This recognition was granted by the Ministry of Mines and Energy for the Procompite project: Strengthening competitiveness of rural associate companies, for good environmental and social practices that contribute to growth and sustainable development in the area.

Contact
Address: Carrera 7 No 77-07 pisos 12 y 13 Bogotá
Tel: +57 601 580 1242
Email: repsolcolombia@repsol.com

Last updated: July 2024