Legitimacy in the Energy Transition: Shared Pathways Between Companies and the Wayúu People

The energy transition refers to the global shift toward more sustainable energy systems. This transition presents an opportunity for sustainable development, but it also gives rise to social, cultural, and environmental tensions. A development project is considered legitimate when it is perceived as fair, respectful, and aligned with the values, rights, and ways of life of those who inhabit the territory. In La Guajira, Colombia, companies investing in the energy transition tend to seek legitimacy through permits, consultations, and social programs, whereas the Indigenous Wayúu communities assess it based on respect for territory, spirituality, and traditional forms of governance—perspectives that do not always align. This Policy Brief therefore aims to strengthen dialogue among companies, Wayúu communities, and the Colombian government, thereby fostering a more just and sustainable energy transition. The analysis is based on a collaborative study that examined the tensions, challenges, and opportunities generated by the energy transition in La Guajira. We provide recommendations to government and academia, companies, and Wayúu people for strengthening legitimacy in La Guajira’s energy transition in the context of five key challenges: (1) Lack of cultural understanding, (2) Distrust among actors, (3) Limited participation in formal consultation process, (4) Inadequate material compensation with no lasting impact, and (5) Symbolic inclusion.