Enel Green Power's El Paso Solar Park Commences Commercial Operation, Boosting Colombia's Renewable Energy Capacity
In a significant development for Colombia's renewable energy landscape, the El Paso Solar Park, owned by Enel Green Power, has announced the commencement of its commercial operation on March 23. This milestone marks the addition of 67.92 MW of effective capacity to the country's electrical grid, contributing to the diversification and reliability of the energy matrix. Enel Green Power's El Paso Solar Park, located in the municipality of El Paso in Cesar, Colombia, has begun commercial operation. The project, initially energized in 2018, has steadily expanded, with an initial installed capacity of 86.2 MWdc growing to 99.5 MWdc following an expansion of 13.3 MWdc in 2023. This expansion was necessary to meet regulatory standards and pass associated load curve tests, paving the way for commercial operations. The park has significantly contributed to Colombia's energy sector, delivering over 724 GWh to the National Interconnected System representing 24% of its total solar generation. The success of the El Paso solar Park underscores the country's commitment to expanding its renewable energy capacity, enhancing energy security, and mitigating environmental impacts.
Published : a month ago by Kavitha in Environment
The El Paso Solar Park, situated in the municipality of El Paso in Cesar, is a pioneering venture in Colombia, initially energized in 2018. Since its inception, the project has steadily expanded, with an initial installed capacity of 86.2 MWdc, growing to a total capacity of 99.5 MWdc following an expansion of 13.3 MWdc in 2023. This expansion was essential to meet regulatory standards and pass associated load curve tests, paving the way for its entry into commercial operation.
To date, the solar park has contributed significantly to Colombia’s energy sector, delivering over 724 GWh to the National Interconnected System, representing 24% of the system’s total solar generation. The park’s current annual energy output stands at approximately 203.5 GWh, capable of meeting the energy needs of approximately 290 thousand people.
Moreover, the project has had a positive socio-economic impact on the region, generating nearly 500 jobs during the construction phase of its recent expansion. The El Paso Solar Park, along with the recently inaugurated La Loma Solar Park with a total installed capacity of 187 MWdc, solidifies Cesar as one of the leading departments in solar energy generation.
This achievement comes at a crucial time for Colombia, amidst challenges posed by the decrease in reservoir levels due to the El Niño Phenomenon. The successful operation of the El Paso Solar Park underscores the country’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy capacity, enhancing energy security, and mitigating environmental impacts.
Enel Green Power’s El Paso Solar Park stands as a beacon of progress in Colombia’s transition towards sustainable energy sources. With its contribution to the renewable energy landscape and socio-economic development in the region, it marks a significant step forward in the country’s journey towards a greener and more resilient energy future.
Topics: Green Energy, ESG, Renewables