EPN Inaugurates New Tepuy Solar Park In Caldas, The Heart of Colombia’s Coffee Growing Region

Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM) has officially inaugurated the Tepuy photovoltaic solar park in La Dorada, Caldas, adding 83 megawatts of non-conventional renewable energy to Colombia’s National Interconnected System (SIN). The project, part of EPM’s broader strategy to support the country’s energy transition, required an investment of over 397 billion pesos and created approximately 1,800 jobs during its peak construction phase, with 52% of the workforce sourced from the local area.

The Tepuy solar park, EPM’s first large-scale photovoltaic project, covers 320 hectares near the village of Santa Helena. The facility includes 199,534 bifacial photovoltaic panels, installed on 2,290 solar trackers and connected to 320 inverters. The project also dedicates 60 hectares to environmental protection and conservation.

EPM General Manager John Maya Salazar noted that Tepuy’s 83 megawatts of power generation capacity is sufficient to supply energy to a city of about 400,000 inhabitants. The project aims to enhance Colombia’s power generation capabilities while contributing to climate change mitigation by reducing approximately 33,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually.

The construction of the Tepuy park adhered to environmental regulations set by the Regional Autonomous Corporation of Caldas (Corpocaldas). The project included comprehensive environmental management efforts, such as rescuing and relocating 1,669 wildlife specimens to a reserve area within the park and protecting 874 flora species, including bromeliads and orchids, with a 97% survival rate.

Additionally, EPM and the SENA Caldas regional office implemented a training program for over 300 local residents, equipping them with skills in the installation of solar panels and related equipment, thereby enhancing employment opportunities in the area.

The Tepuy solar park is expected to operate for 35 years, contributing to Colombia’s renewable energy supply and supporting the country’s sustainability goals. The project was partially financed by the French Development Agency (AFD).