Ecopetrol’s Cartagena refinery has inaugurated a groundbreaking 26 MW solar farm, the largest private solar project in Colombia. In a pioneering move for the nation, the solar plant will generate approximately 51 GWh annually, primarily to power the refinery’s green hydrogen electrolyzer. This initiative is a cornerstone of Ecopetrol’s strategy to decarbonize its operations and marks a significant leap forward in Colombia’s broader energy transition.
Cartagena Refinery Launches Green Hydrogen Solar Farm Project
In a landmark event for Colombia’s renewable energy sector, the Cartagena refinery has officially launched its 26 MW solar plant. This installation, the largest of its kind financed by a private entity in the country, is set to generate around 51 GWh of clean electricity each year. Its main purpose is to power a dedicated green hydrogen electrolyzer, signaling a decisive move away from traditional energy sources and representing a tangible step in the nation’s journey toward a sustainable future.
Ecopetrol’s Solar Farm to Power Green Hydrogen Production
With this project, Ecopetrol becomes the first company in Colombia to produce green hydrogen, a critical element of its comprehensive decarbonization strategy. The solar farm will provide the clean energy necessary for this production, directly supporting Colombia’s national energy objectives and positioning the company as a leader in the transition. By investing heavily in solar, Ecopetrol is securing its future relevance and emerging as a key player in Latin America’s renewable energy sector.
The solar farm is expected to produce 51,000 MWh of electricity annually. This output will comfortably power the refinery’s 2.5 MW green hydrogen electrolyzer, which requires about 32,000 MWh each year. The surplus electricity will be integrated into the refinery’s main power grid. The green hydrogen produced will be used directly in the refinery’s fuel hydrotreating processes to lower the carbon footprint of its products, a move expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 7,700 tons per year.
This project is part of Ecopetrol’s ambitious goal to decarbonize its operations by 2040. During a site visit, President Gustavo Petro praised the initiative, highlighting the potential for green hydrogen to be transported via natural gas pipelines, exported as ammonia, or used to produce green urea for the agricultural sector.
Spanning 18 hectares, the facility features 30,000 solar panels, five inverters, a substation, and a transmission line. The entire project was completed in just eight months with a total investment of $19.2 million. Understanding the solar panel manufacturing plant cost breakdown provides valuable insight into the significant capital required for such transformative projects, which begin with the basics of solar panel manufacturing and the sourcing of high-quality solar panel raw materials.
Colombia’s Commitment to Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen Solar Farm
The Cartagena refinery’s solar farm is a powerful example of Colombia’s broader commitment to renewable energy. The country has set a bold target to produce 1 GW of green hydrogen by 2030, aiming to significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and cut national carbon emissions. The impressive growth in Colombia solar power 2024: Key Growth Insights shows this commitment is being put into action across the country.
This is just the beginning for Ecopetrol. The company has already announced plans for a second, even larger solar farm at the Cartagena refinery, with a planned capacity of 42.5 MW. This expansion, expected to be completed by the end of 2024, will further increase green hydrogen production for the refinery’s operations. These efforts are part of a wider strategic shift, which includes an Ecopetrol solar Colombia: Unique 88 MWp Acquisition and other ventures that showcase impressive growth.
The success of projects like this one in Cartagena, alongside other major developments such as the Colombia solar project: Impressive 650 MW Launch, demonstrates the immense potential of solar energy to drive Colombia’s energy transition. As the country continues to invest in renewables, it moves closer to achieving its climate goals and securing a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
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