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The project
The solar farm that provides the most energy for the country
With over 400,000 solar panels spanning an area of 437 hectares, La Loma, which is located in the department of Cesar, is Colombia’s largest solar power generation plant. With an installed capacity of 187 megawatts, it is capable of generating 420 GWh of renewable energy per year.
Technology
Solar
Status
In operation
Capacity
187 MW
Energy production
420 GWh per year
CO2 Emissions avoided
198,000 tons of CO2 per year
Electricity Equivalent
The energy needs of approximately 600,000 Colombians per year
Timeline
Milestones
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Innovation
This large park, which spans 22 subfields, is equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Furthermore, they are bifacial, and this means that they can absorb energy on both sides, for enhanced performance. These panels are mounted on an automated metal frame called a tracker, which enables them to rotate and follow the Sun’s movement, thereby capturing its rays throughout the day and optimizing the energy generation process.
Impact on the local community
In the various construction phases, a total of more than 1,720 people were hired, making a significant contribution to local employment.
Several projects have been implemented in the areas surrounding the solar park and they are all aligned with Enel's vision of creating shared value.
In partnership with SENA (Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje, Colombia’s national apprenticeship service), training courses were provided for 292 people so that they could work as chainsaw and string-trimmer operators, civil works officers, experts in good beekeeping practices, marketing, and the assembly and installation of solar panels, to name but a few.
Furthermore, thanks to the beekeeping training that was provided in collaboration with SENA, 17 members of the local community started their own honey business and installed Colombia’s first two solar apiaries. Through this type of initiative, Enel supports the conservation of the forests surrounding the park and ensures sustainable and organic honey production while also contributing to the protection of bees, a species critical to the biodiversity of this ecosystem.
In addition, as part of the "Buena Energía para tu Escuela" (“Good energy for your school”) initiative, a project aimed at improving infrastructure, the school in the Potrerillo area underwent a series of renovations to its premises, benefiting 650 students. Other initiatives included the improvement of internet connectivity in the area and the construction of a room for community use, thanks to the recycling of materials that had been discarded during the construction of the park.