EPM Commences Commercial Operation of the Tepuy Photovoltaic Solar Park
- Fecha de publicación
- 2024-06-25 00:00
- Contenido
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- 83 new megawatts of unconventional renewable energy are now feeding into the National Interconnected System (SIN) to benefit all Colombians.
- The project required an investment exceeding COP 397 thousand million and created approximately 1,800 jobs at its peak, with 52% involving locals from the region.
- Annually, the Tepuy operation will prevent about 33,000 tons of CO2 emissions, aiding in the achievement of the nation's climate change objectives.
In its commitment to aiding the country's energy transition through the utilization of unconventional renewable energy sources, EPM has officially launched the Tepuy Photovoltaic Solar Park, situated in the municipality of La Dorada, Caldas Department.
John Maya Salazar, CEO of EPM, stated, “Tepuy marks our first venture into large-scale photovoltaic solar parks. With a nominal capacity of 83 megawatts (MW), sufficient to power a city of roughly 400,000 people, we are expanding Colombia's energy generation capacity. This initiative also aligns with the electrical sector’s efforts to mitigate system vulnerabilities against climate variability, such as the recent challenges faced by the country, ensuring service reliability and continuity for the years ahead.”
The environmental commitments outlined in the license issued by the Regional Autonomous Corporation of Caldas (Corpocaldas) have been fully met during the project's development. “At the construction peak, we generated about 1,800 jobs, 52% of which were filled by individuals from the park’s surrounding areas, with a focus on hiring residents from Guarinocito township, Purnio and Santa Helena hamlets, and the urban center of La Dorada,” added the CEO of EPM.
This is Tepuy
EPM's Tepuy Photovoltaic Solar Park was established near the Santa Helena hamlet, within La Dorada municipality, on a 320-hectare site formerly known as the Guadalupe estate, located on the road from La Dorada to the Honda municipality, in Tolima Department. The installations and equipment occupy 220.39 hectares, roughly equivalent to 267 soccer fields. Additionally, 60 hectares are designated for environmental protection and conservation.
Responsible Social and Environmental Management
Within a comprehensive environmental education and capacity enhancement strategy, developed collaboratively by the project team and the EPM Foundation, over 700 individuals have been trained through 45 sessions covering business planning, entrepreneurship, and leadership, alongside workshops and experiential activities with various stakeholders.
Furthermore, in partnership with the SENA of Caldas region, a thorough training and capacity-building initiative was conducted, preparing over 300 local individuals to install panels, trackers, and electromechanical equipment, thereby creating substantial employment opportunities for them.
Related to wildlife management, during the construction of the park, a team comprising biologists and veterinarians operated alongside a temporary facility equipped with all necessary tools and equipment to ensure the survival of the species. In this effort, 1,669 specimens including amphibians, reptiles, mammals, birds, and fish were rescued and relocated to El Trueno Hill, a site within the project's reserve area that provides ideal ecological conditions for their survival.
Regarding protected flora species, there is a designated relocation area hosting 874 rescued individuals from the bromeliaceae and orchidaceae families, all of whom are subject to continuous monitoring and follow-up to assess their health and protection, achieving a survival rate of 97%.
Tepuy in figures
- The Tepuy Photovoltaic Solar Park features 199,534 bifacial photovoltaic panels, each with a capacity ranging from 540 to 545 watts peak, measuring approximately 1 meter by 2.30 meters.
- The panels are mounted on 2,290 solar trackers and connected to 320 inverters. These are organized across 16 transformation centers and grouped into 5 circuits.
- The expected lifespan of the Tepuy solar park is 35 years. The construction incurred an approximate cost of COP 397 thousand million, partly financed by the French Development Agency (AFD).
For the People
Comprehensive Solar Solutions for All Needs
EPM is committed to sustainability and has developed solutions that cater to the energy needs of customers and users, enabling them to perform their daily activities and operate commercial and industrial processes efficiently. Currently, over 700 solar installations are spread across 20 departments in Colombia, serving homes, businesses, and high-demand consumers.
To date, sales have exceeded 46 megawatts peak (MWp), with more than 86,000 solar panels installed. These panels are projected to prevent the emission of approximately 10,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to planting over 532,000 trees and supplying the energy needs of more than 31,500 households.
Through Tepuy, EPM is advancing the country's energy transition, fostering regional development, and enhancing the energy supply to improve the quality of life for all Colombians.
