Colombia's EPM to build 200 MW windfarm


NFPA 70E Training

Our customized live online or in‑person group training can be delivered to your staff at your location.

  • Live Online
  • 6 hours Instructor-led
  • Group Training Available
Regular Price:
$199
Coupon Price:
$149
Reserve Your Seat Today

EPM 200 MW Wind Farm advances in Colombia with wind resource assessments, feasibility studies, 70 turbines, 80-km transmission line, EPC and turn-key contracts, $300M investment, 2012 construction start, 2014 commissioning, and in-house O&M.

 

The Main Points

EPM's 200 MW wind project in Colombia: 70 turbines, 80 km grid link, $300M, 2012-2014 build; EPM to operate and maintain.

  • Wind studies 2006-2010 across 5,000 km
  • 70 turbines, 200 MW capacity; 18-month build
  • 80 km transmission line to grid

 

Colombian power company Empresas Publicas de Medellin (EPM) plans to build a 200-megawatt (MW) windfarm in Guajira, near the north coast of the country.

 

Since 2006, EPM has been conducting wind measurements in a 5,000-kilometer area for feasibility studies. EPM plans to complete wind studies by the end of 2010, then select the location of the windfarm and start with equipment specifications for land turbines and preliminary design.

The bidding process is scheduled to start in 2011. Three types of contracts are being considered, depending on financing and related utility deals across markets. The options at present, from most to least favorable for EPM, are: a turn-key contract; the supply of equipment, with technical assistance, during a year after commissioning; and a build, operate and transfer contract.

Construction kickoff is scheduled for 2012, and the 70 planned wind turbines to be installed, similar to turbine installation milestones experienced elsewhere, would be operational by about 2014, since construction is expected to last 18 months.

The project, which will have a total investment of about $300 million, will include the construction of the 80-kilometer transmission line that needs to be built to connect the windfarm to the grid, aligning with broader energy plans seen internationally.

EPM plans to perform the operation and maintenance of the 200-MW facility with its own personnel since they have been performing these activities with Jepirachi Wind Park, which has been generating power to the grid since 2003. Jepirachi was the first windfarm commissioned in Colombia, with a total power output of 19.5 MW, while countries such as Estonia's 570 MW projects expand capacity.

 

Related News

Related News

UAE’s nuclear power plant connects to the national grid in a major regional milestone

UAE Barakah Nuclear Plant connects Unit 1 to the grid, supplying clean electricity, nuclear baseload…
View more

The Collapse of Electric Airplane Startup Eviation

Eviation Collapse underscores electric aviation headwinds, from Alice aircraft battery limits to FAA/EASA certification hurdles,…
View more

Duke Energy Florida to build its largest battery storage projects yet

Duke Energy Florida battery storage will add 22 MW across Trenton, Cape San Blas and…
View more

BC’s Electric Highway

British Columbia Electric Highway connects urban hubs and remote communities with 1,400+ EV charging stations,…
View more

N.L. premier says Muskrat Falls costs are too great for optimism about benefits

Muskrat Falls financial impact highlights a hydro megaproject's cost overruns, rate mitigation challenges, and inquiry…
View more

Barakah Unit 1 reaches 100% power as it steps closer to commercial operations, due to begin early 2021

Barakah Unit 1 100 Percent Power signals the APR-1400 reactor delivering 1400MW of clean baseload…
View more

Sign Up for Electricity Forum’s Newsletter

Stay informed with our FREE Newsletter — get the latest news, breakthrough technologies, and expert insights, delivered straight to your inbox.

Electricity Today T&D Magazine Subscribe for FREE

Stay informed with the latest T&D policies and technologies.
  • Timely insights from industry experts
  • Practical solutions T&D engineers
  • Free access to every issue

Download the 2026 Electrical Training Catalog

Explore 50+ live, expert-led electrical training courses –

  • Interactive
  • Flexible
  • CEU-cerified