GreenYellow and Ocensa Inaugurate 5.56 MWp Coveñas Photovoltaic Plant in Colombia

The Colombian subsidiary of the French company GreenYellow and the hydrocarbon transportation platform Ocensa have jointly announced the inauguration of the 5.56 MWp Coveñas photovoltaic plant. Situated at the Ocensa Maritime Terminal in Coveñas, Sucre Department, this facility marks a significant milestone in renewable energy development in Colombia.

Spanning an area of seven hectares, the Coveñas photovoltaic plant features 8,512 bifacial modules mounted on solar trackers. It is anticipated to generate an annual production of 10 GWh, contributing to sustainable energy production in the region.

This project represents GreenYellow’s first venture in the Oil & Gas sector that has already commenced operations, signifying a pivotal moment for the company’s expansion into new markets.

According to Ocensa, the solar park will primarily supply energy for self-consumption at the station and other sections of the terminal operated by Cenit and Oleoducto de Colombia (ODC), both integral players at the Maritime Terminal.

Since its inception, the Coveñas solar park has played a vital role in mitigating the effects of national contingencies, such as the El Niño Phenomenon, by reducing network consumption by approximately 200,000 kWh and lowering electricity rates by 40%.

In terms of local impact, the construction of the plant has contributed over 128 million pesos (approximately 33.1 thousand dollars) to the local economy, with more than 190 individuals employed since November 2023. Notably, 120 of these employees hail from indigenous and Afro communities surrounding the terminal, with women comprising 20.5% of the workforce.

Looking ahead, Ocensa aims to further expand its solar energy capacity, with plans to reach an installed capacity of 12.4 MW this year, inclusive of projects in Vasconia and Miraflores, Boyacá Department.

The inauguration of the Coveñas photovoltaic plant marks a significant milestone in Colombia’s renewable energy journey, highlighting the collaborative efforts of GreenYellow, Ocensa, and local communities to promote sustainable development and combat climate change.