The agreement seeks to strengthen commercial ties between ISAGEN and Italian exporters within the renewable energy value chain. As part of this arrangement, ISAGEN has committed to participating in annual matchmaking events organized by SACE, where Italian companies will be considered for its procurement processes.

BNP Paribas CIB, the financier of this operation, is recognized in the global export finance market and as a key structurer of SACE-covered facilities worldwide, with a focus on sustainable transactions. BNP Paribas has maintained a presence in Colombia for over 50 years, providing financing solutions to clients locally and internationally.

Established in 1995, ISAGEN operates a diversified portfolio comprising 15 hydroelectric plants, 10 solar plants, and two wind farms, possessing a net effective capacity exceeding 3,000 MW. The company plays a role in Colombia’s energy transition and contributes to the country’s decarbonization targets, aligning with discussions at COP29.

This operation aligns with SACE’s strategic objective of promoting Italian exports and fostering partnerships in emerging markets. The focus is on facilitating long-term industrial collaborations in sectors driving the global energy transition.

Jenaro Laris Vázquez, director of SACE’s Latin America Office, stated that this transaction reflects SACE’s commitment to supporting Italian companies’ expansion into dynamic markets like Colombia, with an emphasis on renewable energy. He indicated that SACE aims to cultivate alliances where both ISAGEN and Italian enterprises demonstrate strengths. Matchmaking initiatives led by SACE are intended to facilitate new commercial relationships between ISAGEN and Italian exporters, potentially influencing future investment plans.

Arturo Mejía, ISAGEN’s financial vice president, commented on the financial milestone, noting it reflects confidence in ISAGEN’s stability and long-term vision. He stated that the transaction with BNP Paribas CIB and SACE represents a strategic step toward diversifying financing sources, enhancing financial resilience, and increasing flexibility for economic fluctuations. Mejía added that the financing enables ISAGEN to expand its supplier base, reinforcing its supply chain through partnerships with Italian companies capable of supporting its mission to deliver clean energy.

Jorge Valderrama, BNP Paribas’ territorial director in Colombia, remarked on the significance of supporting ISAGEN with this financing line in collaboration with SACE, characterizing it as a notable development for ISAGEN and the Colombian energy sector. He emphasized BNP Paribas’ commitment to providing strategic financial solutions that assist clients in leading transformations within key sectors contributing to Colombia’s economic growth.

ISAGEN Medellín. Photo credit: Loren Moss.

JC Decaux provides outdoor advertising, such as on bus stops like this. (Photo courtesy JC Decaux)

This contract covers the design, installation, operation and maintenance of more than 6,000 street furniture displays for bus shelters: digital city information panels with maps, information, local route guidance, and bus information. Installation will take place from 2021 to 2024, though JCDecaux expects to begin upgrading the 3,310 existing bus shelters in July of this year.

Some bus shelters will be equipped with photovoltaic roofs and LED technology to reduce electricity consumption by up to 60%. JCDecaux will operate more than 3,300 street furniture advertising faces in Bogota, bringing their total to more than 5,200 in Colombia, across 8 major cities in the country for its street furniture, in addition to its portfolio of billboards (over 105 displays) and a presence in Bogota International Airport.

“We are very proud to have been chosen by the Capital and largest city in Colombia, Bogota, as its partner for its street furniture program. The city and its inhabitants will benefit from high-quality and durable bus shelters and highly innovative services such as smart digital city information panels. By delivering premium sites with even broader coverage, we are able to meet the needs of brands and their communication strategies as well as the expectation of Bogota,” said Jean-Charles Decaux, Co-CEO of JCDecaux.

“As number one in street furniture in Colombia, our subsidiary has a key strategic position in the country. This contract will strengthen our presence in the biggest cities in Latin America, including São Paulo, Mexico, Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Santiago and now Bogota as well as our position as Latin America’s number one for outdoor advertising.”