MPC Energy Solutions Building Solar Plant In Colombia’s Norte de Santander Department

Netherlands-based MPC Energy Solutions announced last week that construction has begun on Parque Solar Los Girasoles, a solar photovoltaic plant in the Norte de Santander department of Colombia that will supply around 23 GWh of electricity per year. MPC Energy says it is investing $11 million USD to bring Los Girasoles online, and the project is expected to generate around $1.3 million USD in revenues per year once operational. Construction started with Socolco S.A.S. and commissioning of the solar park is expected in Q4 2022. Solar panels are supplied by Trina Solar and inverters by Huawei.

Parque Solar Los Girasoles is located in the Norte de Santander region of Colombia in the country’s northeast, near the border with Venezuela. The solar PV project has a nominal capacity of 12.3 MWp, and MPC Energy claims it will offer substantial environmental benefits, helping to avoid the emission of 15,200 tons of CO₂ per year.

Martin Vogt, CEO of MPC Energy Solutions, said: “Colombia has used renewable energy for decades and its Energy Plan 2050 sets out clear objectives to diversify the sources of the renewable energy it uses so that wind, solar and other alternatives complement its existing installed hydropower base. Today’s groundbreaking at the Parque Solar Los Girasoles is part of our efforts to help Colombia reduce carbon emissions, decentralize and diversify energy generation. Our projects will help ensure that Colombians benefit from reliable, cleaner electricity for decades to come.”

The company has also announced a diversity initiative to encourage women to apply to construction jobs.