Key Takeaways

• The ANLA granted environmental approval for Xuenergy’s Ariguaní solar project, citing its environmental viability.
• Colombia’s government has increased focus on solar energy with Gecelca Solar aiming for 650MW capacity.
• The 201MW Shangri-La project by Atlas Renewables is part of a larger effort to establish 1GW of solar capacity in Colombia.

Environmental Approval for Solar Project

Xuenergy, a subsidiary of Spanish energy and infrastructure company Elecnor, has received environmental licensing from the National Authority of Environmental Licenses (ANLA) for its solar project at the Ariguaní site in Colombia. The ANLA determined that the project is “environmentally viable,” with any potential impacts on the surrounding environment deemed “preventable, mitigable, and manageable.” The project has strategically avoided disrupting vital ecosystems, concentrating on areas such as pastureland, wooded pastures, and forest plantations.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is gaining traction across Latin America, and Colombia is becoming a focal point for this renewable energy transition. In December, the Colombian government launched a solar PV development initiative under the public utility Gecelca. Gecelca Solar aims to establish a 650MW solar generation capacity, primarily along Colombia’s Northern Caribbean coast, close to the Ariguaní solar project.

In addition, the solar landscape in Colombia is evolving rapidly with new projects entering the market. A notable development is the Shangri-La project, which Atlas Renewables launched in November. This 201MW project is located in the department of Tolima and marks the beginning of a partnership with Isagen— a subsidiary of Canadian asset manager Brookfield. Together, they aim to build 1GW of new solar PV capacity across Colombia.

Overall, with increasing investments in solar energy infrastructure and supportive government initiatives, Colombia is poised to capitalize on its solar potential and lead the way in renewable energy within the region.

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