Montería (Colombia) takes a significant step towards clean energy with Zelestra’s ambitious “La Unión” solar plant

Sep 30, 2024

  • With an investment of more than US$ 200 million, this project has created over 1,276 local jobs, driving both economic and social growth in the region
  • The facility features over 220 thousand solar panels, equivalent to planting 12.3 million trees
  • Zelestra, with a global focus and commitment in Colombia, supports the goal of 6 GW of renewable energy by 2026, demonstrating the viability, competitiveness and need for decarbonization in the country

Zelestra, a global, multi-technology, customer-focused renewable energy company, has inaugurated its “La Unión” project in Montería, Córdoba (Colombia). This milestone represents a significant step in Colombia’s energy transition and reaffirms Zelestra’s commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

With an investment of more than US$ 200 million, the photovoltaic solar plant has 220,960 solar panels and an installed capacity of 144 megawatts. This clean energy is enough to supply more than 132,000 households, reducing CO2 emissions by 123,346 tons per year, which is equivalent to planting 12.3 million trees.

”La Unión is a tangible example of how Zelestra, with its fully integrated structure, can execute renewable energy projects from start to finish, ensuring the highest quality and efficiency,” said Leo Moreno, Global CEO of Zelestra. “We are committed to decarbonization, and Colombia plays a key role in this transition”.

The project has created 1,276 local jobs, highlighting Zelestra’s commitment to the region’s economic and social development. “It’s not just about constructing energy infrastructure; it’s about involving the community at every stage of the process to generate a positive, long-term impact,” said Alejandro Ospina, Country Manager of Zelestra Colombia

“La Unión symbolizes collaboration and collective effort. We believe this is just the beginning of a long-term relationship with this community,” added José Luis García, CEO LATAM of Zelestra. Through this initiative, we reflect our commitment to ESG principles and our mission to build a carbon-free future.”

Zelestra has positioned itself as a leader in renewable energy in Latin America, with a projected development of 6 GW in the region. “This effort not only represents a growth opportunity for Zelestra, but will also significantly contribute to Latin America’s decarbonization efforts,” Garcia noted.

La Unión solar plant has become a benchmark in the fight against climate change, as its strategic location in an area with high solar potential and favorable climatic conditions, combined with careful environmental planning, has minimized the negative impact on the natural environment, in addition to avoiding the emission of 123,346 tons of CO2 per year.

This is only the beginning of a long trajectory of Zelestra in Colombia, which seeks to become an engine of change towards a cleaner and more prosperous future, as well as to consolidate its position as a strategic partner for Colombia in the transition to a low-carbon economy. The company will continue to explore new investment opportunities in the country, with the goal of further expanding its project portfolio and contributing to meeting national climate goals.

About Zelestra

With a portfolio of 25 GW of carbon-free projects across 13 countries, Zelestra is a vertically integrated company specializing in developing, commercializing, constructing, and operating large-scale renewable energy projects. Zelestra is made up of 953 professionals globally. It is backed by EQT, one of the largest fund managers in the world, with more than 223 billion euros in assets under management.