Ecopetrol Launches 56.1-MW Solar Farm in Colombia

• Ecopetrol's new 56.1-MW solar farm transforms Barrancabermeja, powering 40,500 homes and boosting renewable energy efforts while cutting CO2 emissions significantly. A bold step towards a sustainable future!

Ecopetrol SA, Colombia's majority state-owned petroleum company, has inaugurated a 56.1-MW solar farm named La Cira Infantas in Barrancabermeja, Santander department. The company invested approximately USD 49.64 million in this self-consumption project, which features 84,900 solar panels across 53 hectares and is projected to generate 76.3 GWh annually, sufficient to power 40,500 households. This initiative will meet 14% of the electricity demand for its La Cira Infantas oilfield while helping reduce CO2 emissions by 12,500 tonnes.

Ecopetrol's CEO Ricardo Roa Barragan highlighted the company’s commitment to renewable energy, mentioning the existing solar farms and upcoming projects intended to bolster its position in Latin America's energy transition. By the end of 2024, Ecopetrol aims to develop between 700 MW and 800 MW of renewable energy sources. AES Colombia, part of AES Corp, has been instrumental in previous solar projects, supplying power to Ecopetrol under power purchase agreements.

How does Ecopetrol's new solar farm contribute to Colombia's energy transition goals?

• Promotion of Renewable Energy: The inauguration of the La Cira Infantas solar farm demonstrates Ecopetrol's commitment to transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, aligning with Colombia’s broader goals of increasing the share of renewables in the national energy matrix.
• Reduction of Carbon Footprint: The project is expected to significantly contribute to Colombia’s greenhouse gas reduction targets by decreasing CO2 emissions by approximately 12,500 tonnes per year, supporting the country’s commitments under international climate agreements.
• Energy Self-Sufficiency: By generating 14% of the electricity needed for its La Cira Infantas oilfield, the solar farm enhances Ecopetrol's energy self-sufficiency. This reduces reliance on external electricity sources and insulates operations from fluctuations in the energy market.
• Economic Diversification: The investment in solar energy signifies a strategic move towards diversifying Ecopetrol’s operations, which have historically been reliant on oil extraction. This diversification may safeguard the company against future volatility in oil prices and demand.
• Job Creation and Local Development: The construction and ongoing operation of the solar farm create job opportunities in Barrancabermeja, fostering local economic growth and potentially leading to the development of ancillary industries related to renewable energy.
• Infrastructure Improvement: The development of solar power infrastructure promotes advancements in regional electricity distribution networks, which can facilitate further renewable energy projects and enhance overall grid resilience.
• Collaboration with Industry Partners: Ecopetrol's partnership with AES Colombia exemplifies how public and private sectors can work together to achieve renewable energy goals. Such collaborations can streamline project implementation and leverage technological expertise for future initiatives.
• Support for Colombia’s National Energy Plan: The solar project aligns with Colombia’s National Development Plan, which aims to increase renewable energy generation to 10% by 2028. Ecopetrol’s significant investments advance this goal and set a benchmark for other industries to follow.
• Increased Public Awareness: Initiatives like the La Cira Infantas solar farm can help raise awareness about renewable energy benefits among the public and local stakeholders, encouraging community support for similar projects.
• Encouragement for Future Investments: By showcasing successful renewable energy projects, Ecopetrol can attract further investments from both national and international entities, crucial for scaling renewable energy development in Colombia.
• Spurring Policy Development: The success of projects like this may also prompt the Colombian government to enact favorable policies and incentives for renewable energy, creating a more robust framework for sustainable energy investments throughout the country.