The project is slated for development within communities located in the area of influence of the Jemeiwaa Ka’l wind cluster, operated by AES Colombia (The AES Corporation, NYSE: AES) in the municipality of Uribia. The first stage will encompass the JK1 and JK2 wind farms, which have a total capacity of 259 MW.

FDN, a development bank, structured the project’s financing, approving a senior loan of $11.6 billion COP and a liquidity line of $1.12 billion COP. Additional funds for the project are being contributed by AES Colombia and Soluna as investors. These funds will be managed through a trust administered by Fiduciaria Bogotá S.A.

According to FDN President Francisco Lozano, the project’s financing is intended to address social gaps in La Guajira, a region where 31.4% of the population lacks access to electricity. The project aims to provide continuous 24/7 power, which could facilitate educational and productive activities for the beneficiary population.

The initiative aligns with AES Colombia’s sustainability strategy and contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 7: affordable and clean energy. Its objective is to supply clean energy to Wayuu indigenous communities in off-grid rural areas. Federico Echavarría, general manager of AES Colombia, stated that the project, which has been under structuring for several years, demonstrates the company’s commitment to renewable energy development and contributes to an energy transition.

The first phase of the project is projected to benefit 840 households, with the potential to expand to an additional 3,000 homes. The solar technology will enable residents to power appliances such as refrigerators, computers, and mobile phone chargers.

The project’s financing includes resources from a special line of the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which are being channeled through FDN. This marks the first disbursement from this line, which is designed to support projects with social and environmental impacts, particularly those promoting renewable energy for a just energy transition. The project is also noted as the first of its kind to be financed via a project finance structure, potentially setting a precedent for its replication in other Colombian communities without electricity access.

Soluna will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the project, ensuring a sustainable service at a subsidized rate. The implemented scheme is designed to be affordable for the beneficiary population.

Pictured from left to right: Daniel Vallejo, CEO of Soluna, Federico Echavarría, CEO of AES Colombia, and Francisco Lozano, President of FDN. Photo credit FDN

Bathed by sun and wind, La Guajira is an ideal location for potential renewable energy projects.

During the meeting, Governor Roys invited participants to build a new relationship between the local government and the private sector, and to take preventive and corrective measures so that equity and equality is reflected in the decisions between the telecoms, utilities, and all stakeholders.

Camilo Sánchez, president of Andesco, agreed to continue dialogue between the parties to guarantee the success of the projects.

Other trade associations such as ANDI, ACOLGÉN Y SER COLOMBIA and companies such as EPM, Grupo Energía Bogotá, Enel, ISA, EDP and AES Colombia attended.

Photo courtesy ANDESCO