Colombia unveils plans for 6 new power grid projects

Colombia has outlined plans for six new power transmission projects as part of broader efforts to reinforce the electricity grid and support the country’s energy transition goals.

In its proposed 2024-28 transmission expansion roadmap, energy ministry planning unit UPME said the projects would be implemented across nine departments, with a focus on the Andean region (Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Antioquia, Huila, Tolima, Caldas and Risaralda).

"These initiatives seek to strengthen and modernize the country's electricity networks based on two objectives: to meet urgent needs that have not been effectively addressed and the obligation to plan in terms of the energy transition and climate change," the document says. 

One of the largest projects is the 500/230/115 kV Amanecer substation in Tolima department, which includes two 450MVA transformers and new transmission lines spanning 200km, 235km, 146km and 77km. 

It is scheduled to be connected to the existing Virginia-Nueva Esperanza 500kV circuit when completed in 2032. 

The plan also includes the Nordeste y Urabá Antioqueño interconnection, comprising two new substations – Lagunas 220kV and Guárcama 220kV – along with transmission lines to strengthen the grid in northwestern Antioquia department. 

In the south, the ministry is planning a bidding process for the 230/115kV Carlosama substation and the Ecuador interconnection. The project in Nariño department entails a new substation (Carlosama 230/115kV) targeting cross-border exchanges with connections to the Jamondino-Pomasqui transmission line.

Another major development is the 500/115kV Corzo substation in Cundinamarca, which includes a 450MVA transformer and envisages the reconfiguration of existing transmission links. 

In the central-western departments of Caldas and Risaralda, the ministry expects to launch a bidding process for the 230/115kV Macana substation and associated power lines. 

And in northern Córdoba department, preparations are underway for the 500kV Bahías de Transformación en Sahagún development, which includes the expansion of an existing substation with two transformation bays.

A draft resolution containing the roadmap is available for public comment until February 12. It can be seen here, in Spanish.