Colombia Launches Major Solar Power Project with 201 MW Capacity

Atlas Renewable Energy has launched the Shangri-La solar project in Ibague, Tolima, with a capacity of 201 megawatts, making it one of the largest solar installations in Colombia. This facility is designed to generate approximately 403.7 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to supply power to over 214 thousand Colombian homes.

The project underscores Colombia's shift from its traditional reliance on hydropower, as investment in solar energy has been growing in recent years. Ruben Borja, Country Manager at Atlas Renewable Energy, highlighted that the construction of Shangri-La took 18 months and created more than 2,100 jobs, prioritizing local labor throughout the process.

Notably, women accounted for 22% of the workforce, surpassing initial targets set during the project's development, indicating a positive trend towards inclusivity in renewable energy jobs. In terms of environmental impact, the Shangri-La solar project is expected to offset nearly 161 thousand tons of CO2 emissions each year, contributing significantly to Colombia’s sustainability goals.

While it stands as the second largest solar project in the country, the launch of Shangri-La signifies a monumental shift in Colombia's energy landscape, aligning with broader efforts to enhance renewable energy generation across Latin America.

According to CleanTechnica, this initiative is a crucial step toward achieving a more sustainable energy future in the region, reflecting an increased focus on renewable sources amidst growing environmental concerns.