Solargreen to build 180MW solar park in northern Colombia

Medellín-based renewable energy developer Solargreen has outlined plans to build a 180MW solar park aimed at promoting agricultural activity in northern Colombia. 

The initiative, dubbed San Jorge Fotovoltaico, is earmarked for the municipality of Montelíbano, Córdoba department, on land that will remain available for farming purposes, according to a Solargreen statement. 

“This type of facility, very common in Europe and which is practically mandatory in Italy if you want to build a solar plant on agricultural land, seeks to [encourage] sustainable agricultural activity, where solar developments are carried out involving landowners, small businesses or families in the region for the development of a circular economy," the company said. 

The project is due to start operating in 2024 and will be connected to the national electricity grid via a 110kV power link to the Cerromatoso substation. No investment forecast was given. 

According to Solargreen, San Jorge will require approximately 268,650 solar panels and will be capable of generating around 314GWh of electricity per year.

The project will occupy almost 500 hectares, more than half of which will be allocated to the conservation of bodies of water and natural vegetation. The remaining 240ha – land previously impacted by livestock and devoid of flora – will be used for solar generation infrastructure.

“San Jorge Fotovoltaico aims to make local agricultural and livestock activities compatible with the generation of solar energy, as has been done in Europe," Solargreen partner Ernesto Pérez said. 

"These initiatives, based on green and sustainable principles, are fundamental for the region, since they promote economic activity ... for its population, creating shared value." 

Solargreen said it expects an environmental license for the project to be approved by the end of the year.