Colombia, a nation in South America’s northwest region, is well-known for its varied animals, abundance of stunning scenery, and rich cultural legacy. There are twelve power plants in Colombia as of 2020, each with unique features. Every power plant in Colombia is fully described in this list, along with information on its kind, location, and capacity. In order to provide you a better knowledge of each facility, additional information will also be provided, such as the installation date, company, and energy source. This list is intended to be a useful resource for anyone wishing to learn more about Colombia’s power plants by offering this important information.
The list of all Colombian nuclear, hydroelectric, solar, wind, oil, and gas power stations is provided below.
List of all Power Plants in Colombia in table format
We have made the following table, which includes a list of all Colombian power plants, for the convenience of our readers:
Powerplant Name | PowerPlant Capacity(MW) | Power Plant Location via to Latitude and Longitude | Fuel Type- Primary | Estimated Power Generation(GWH) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cantral La Tasajera | 306 | 6.3771, -75.4478 | Hydro | 1135.1 |
Cartagena | 188 | 10.3555, -75.5109 | Oil | N/A |
Central Guadalupe III | 270 | 6.8145, -75.2406 | Hydro | 1271.68 |
Central Guatap | 560 | 6.32, -75.1659 | Hydro | 1903.95 |
Chivor | 1000 | 4.9008, -73.2969 | Hydro | 3903.61 |
El Paso | 86.2 | 9.69, -73.765 | Solar | 184.86 |
Gavio | 1200 | 4.7247, -73.4831 | Hydro | 4915.69 |
Gecelca power station | 164 | 7.9911, -75.5946 | Coal | N/A |
Jaguas | 170 | 6.2944, -75.0259 | Hydro | 653.74 |
La Sierra | 460 | 6.2345, -74.5614 | Gas | N/A |
Miel I | 396 | 5.5606, -74.8866 | Hydro | 1408.15 |
Porce III | 660 | 6.9394, -75.1398 | Hydro | 2980.71 |
San Carlos | 1246 | 6.2108, -74.8405 | Hydro | 5937.42 |
Sogamoso | 820 | 7.1003, -73.4056 | Hydro | 3365.48 |
Termobarranquilla | 918 | 10.9368, -74.7643 | Gas | N/A |
Information Sources: GCPT, Wiki-Solar, GEODB, WRI, CARMA
Best Power Plants in Colombia in 2023
Below is information about Colombia’s top power plant:
Powerplant Calderas Reviews
Calderas is a 26 megawatt (MW) hydroelectric power facility situated at 7.7918 degrees north latitude and 74.7732 degrees west longitude in the Colombian municipality of Caldas. Starting in June 1987, the hydroelectric power station Calderas generates an estimated 137.09 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity annually. It is owned and run by Celsia SAS, an energy business based in Colombia. Water from the Rio Nechi Dam is used as the main fuel for the power plant’s turbines, which produce electricity.
The Calderas power plant exhibits a nuanced fusion of innovation and environment. Its turbines use gravity to sustainably produce electricity from the water, and it is ideally situated close to the stunning Lake Nechi. Because of its floodgates and strict regulation by the National Administrative Department of Energy (DANE), it can also lessen flooding in the surrounding areas.
Powerplant Cantral La Tasajera Reviews
The Centra La Tasajera power plant is situated close to the Colombian town of 6.3771 and -75.4478 in latitude and longitude, respectively, in a tiny rural settlement. With a 306 MW operating capacity, it has been providing steady and dependable energy to the surrounding community since its construction in 1135.1. Hydropower, a renewable energy source that is economical and ecologically benign, powers the power plant primarily.
Centra La Tasajera uses the nearby rivers, streams, and waterways, just as many other hydroelectric power plants in Colombia, to generate electricity. With over 1700 rivers throughout the nation, the plentiful water supply is effectively utilized. Centra La Tasajera always has access to a dependable energy source that aids the local economy and is ever-changing due to the renewable nature of the rivers. The quality of life in the area is enhanced when local businesses and households can rely on a steady and secure supply of electricity to meet their power needs.
Powerplant Cartagena Reviews
One of the largest towns in Colombia, Cartagena has long been a significant hub for trade and industry dating back to pre-colonial periods. The city is home to an 188 megawatt (MW) oil-fired power station, which is situated 75.5109 degrees west of the Greenwich Meridian and 10.3555 degrees north of the equator. Since it started operating in 2019, the power plant has generated an estimated 205 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity annually. Given that it is the biggest oil-fired power plant built in Colombia, it is anticipated to lessen the nation’s dependency on imported electricity.
Oil is the main fuel utilized in the power plant. Cartagena enjoys a significant advantage due to its abundance of oil production and exploration in the area. This feature has elevated the power plant to the status of one of the most efficient in the entire region, along with its energy-saving designs and practices. Being one of the more recent power plants in Colombia, it is also built to react quickly to fluctuations in fuel prices or demand. In order to achieve this, the plant operates multiple oil-fired units in addition to its primary oil-fired unit, giving it flexibility in the energy and electricity it produces.
Powerplant Central Guadalupe III Reviews
In Antioquia, Colombia, the Central Guadalupe III power plant may be found at 6.8145 degrees north and 75.2406 degrees west in coordinates. This power station uses water flow to create energy; it is a hydroelectric power plant. It started operating in 1271.68 and has a 270 megawatt power capacity. For years, a significant portion of Antioquia has been able to obtain dependable electricity from the largest hydroelectric power plant in Colombia.
This highly efficient power plant is centralized and benefits from lots of running water to operate the turbines due to its high elevation. Its generators are among the most sophisticated in the world, and its turbines have been tuned to maximize the amount of energy available. Many residents in and around Antioquia receive a dependable and reasonably priced supply of electricity from the Central Guadalupe III power plant. Furthermore, it supports the growth of renewable energy sources in the area and boosts the local economy.
Powerplant Central Guatap Reviews
Colombia is home to Central Guatap, a hydroelectric power facility. Its coordinates are 6.32 latitude and -75.1659 longitude, and it can hold 560 people. The plant was put into service in 1903.95 and runs mostly on water as fuel. The anticipated power output of this hydroelectric power station is 560 MW.
The largest public utility in Colombia, Empresas Publicas de Medellin, or EPM, was in charge of this power plant project. Made up of two hydroelectric dams and two powerhouses joined by a lengthy subterranean tunnel, it is one of the biggest hydroelectric power facilities in the nation. This massive project produces no greenhouse gases and permits the production of 150 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually.
This power plant not only produces energy, but it also has commercial and recreational uses. People from all over the world visit the power plant’s surrounding sites, which have turned into popular tourist spots. This area is great for boating, kayaking, and other water sports, and since the Central Guatap Hydroelectric Plant was constructed, the local economy has grown.
Powerplant Chivor Reviews
The Chivor hydroelectric power station, with a latitudinal function of 4.9008 and a longitude of -73.2969, is situated close to Chivor, Colombia. With a 1000 megawatt maximum power generation capacity, it is the largest hydroelectric power station in the nation. The El Rio Magdalena flows through it, and it is situated close to a variety of hills and mountains. Since it began operating in 3903.61, it has produced an estimated 1000 megawatts of energy. The people and the country of Colombia are then powered by this energy.
El Rio Magdalena provides the hydro energy that powers the Chivor hydroelectric power plant, enabling it to produce such a substantial amount of energy. The power grid of Colombia and the country’s residents’ home electrical demands are powered by this energy. The government of Colombia took the initiative to build sustainable buildings and enhance energy production, which allowed for its construction. Since then, the power plant has grown to become a symbol of Colombian energy production and is regarded as one of the best in all of South America.
Powerplant El Paso Reviews
Latitude 9.69 and longitude -73.765 are the coordinates of El Paso, Chile’s solar-powered El Paso Powerplant. In 184.86, the 86.2 megawatt (MW) facility was put online. This acknowledges El Paso’s dedication to achieving the goals for renewable energy that the Chilean government has set forth. An estimated 670.32 gigawatt hours (GWh) of solar electricity are produced annually by it, which is sufficient to power 230,000 houses.
With a 7.6 km2 size, El Paso Powerplant is the biggest solar plant in Chile. Modern engineering techniques and all required safety measures were used throughout the installation of the photovoltaic components to minimize any potential negative environmental effects, such as dust and pollution. El Paso Powerplant also has the ability to store and supply energy during periods of low output brought on by cloud cover or nighttime thanks to the building of a neighboring wind farm and the addition of a battery storage system.
Powerplant Gavio Reviews
In the nation of Gavio, the Gavio 1200 hydro power facility is situated at 4.7247 latitude and -73.4831 longitude. With a 1200 megawatt capacity, it started up in August 4915.69. Water is the main fuel source for the Gavio 1200 engine, and it is supplied by two outflow units on the adjacent canal network. It is expected that the hydroelectric power plant produces over 3,536 thousand megawatt-hours of electricity each year. One of the main factors influencing the Gavio’s long-term energy security is the 1200 powerplant. Through the utilization of cutting-edge technologies and the enormous power of the rivers that flow through Gavio, the Gavio 1200 hydro power plant will assist Gavio in meeting its targets for renewable energy while lowering its reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, the power plant boosts the local economy in the area by giving thousands of people jobs.
Powerplant Gecelca power station Reviews
The coordinates of the Gecelca power station are latitude 7.9911 and longitude -75.5946 in Colombia. Established in, this coal-fired power plant can generate up to 164 megawatts of electricity. In Colombia, a country in South America, gecelca is a significant source of power.
The power plant is run by Grupo Energ a de Bogot (GEB), a significant participant in the Colombian power industry and one of the country’s biggest utilities. One of GEB’s most important resources is Gecelca, which is essential to maintaining the region’s residents’ access to and ability to use electrical supplies.
GEB has put in place a number of initiatives and technological advancements to lessen the emissions from the station, including air emission monitoring, converting some of its units from coal to natural gas as a fuel source, and creating new, more energy-efficient boilers. In addition, by lowering its carbon dioxide emissions, the facility has improved its environmental performance. Presently, it is striving to become a more sustainable operation.
Powerplant Jaguas Reviews
Geographically located at 6.2944 N, 75.0259 W, Jaguas is a 170 MW hydroelectric facility in the Valle Del Cauca province of the Republic of Colombia. The province’s main source of electricity is the hydroelectric facility, which also generates the most non-thermal power in the nation. Since July 2000, when the power plant commenced operations, it has been providing Valle del Cauca with electricity.
The Magdalena River is the energy source for the Jaguas hydroelectric facility, which stores all of its water in a reservoir for the plant’s use. The power plant has an estimated hourly rating of 653.74 MW and a total installed capacity of 200 MW. The facility produces electricity for the province in an efficient and secure manner thanks to its two major turbines, several pumps, and generators.
The Jaguas hydropower project supplies clean, renewable electricity to the area and is a major non-thermal power source for Colombians. The facility is built to survive for many years and is well-equipped to handle Valle del Cauca’s expanding energy needs. Jaguas has the potential to grow into one of the biggest hydropower facilities in the nation because to its safe and sustainable electricity generation.
Powerplant La Sierra Reviews
Located at 6.2345 latitude and -74.5614 longitude, La Sierra Powerplant is a 460 megawatt gas-fired power plant. This facility, which is situated in the La Sierra region, uses natural gas as its primary fuel and has four 115 MW generators. It started producing power in 2000 and now generates about 893,000 MWh annually.
The community around this power plant receives economical, dependable, and efficient electricity from it. Built as a component of a broader energy strategy, La Sierra bolsters and supports the region’s economic expansion. Because it provides thousands of households and businesses with dependable energy access, local stakeholders have warmly welcomed its existence.
The power plant has the newest pollution control technology to guarantee that it complies with the most recent emission regulations. An essential component of La Sierra’s long-term environmental strategy is the facilitation of significant environmental protections. As a result, this power plant not only supplies the area with essential energy but also lessens pollution of the air, water, and land.
Powerplant Miel I Reviews
The location of the Miel I hydro powerplant in Country Name is 5.5606 latitude and -74.8866 longitude. The power facility can produce 396 MW. It started producing energy on 1408.15, and its entire energy output is anticipated to be 396 MW. Water is the main fuel utilized by the Miel I hydro powerplant. Because it is a hydroelectric power plant, no hazardous byproducts are released into the environment, making the energy produced green and sustainable.
One of the nation’s most dependable hydroelectric plants is Miel I. The building has been reliably meeting the needs of the area for generations and has a stellar performance history. Because of this, the hydroelectricity produced by the Miel I powerplant is regarded as being of the greatest quality and is sold for less than the average price for powerplants in its class across the country.
Powerplant Porce III Reviews
North West Colombia is home to the 660 megawatt Porce III hydroelectric power facility, which is situated at latitude 6.9394 and longitude -75.1398. Operating since early 1980, it is the largest hydroelectric power facility in Colombia. The Vice Chancellor Department’s numerous rivers, which are fed by its numerous lakes and reservoirs, provide the hydroelectricity that powers this power plant.
The Porce III Hydroelectric Power Plant has demonstrated enormous potential to supply the nation’s electrical demands since its establishment. Porce III is anticipated to have a total power generation capacity of 2,980.71 MW, based on government estimations. This is enough to power several areas of Colombia, a large American nation that needs energy to sustain its expanding populace.
Powerplant San Carlos Reviews
The hydroelectric San Carlos Power Plant is situated at 6.2108 latitude and -74.8405 longitude in San Carlos, Colombia. With a 1246 megawatt overall capacity, the plant ranks among the biggest hydroelectric power facilities in the nation.
The facility was put into operation in 1959 and is mainly run by water, drawing electricity from the surrounding rivers. An estimated 5937.42 gigawatt-hours of power may be produced yearly by the facility, giving many Colombian homes and businesses a dependable supply of clean energy.
An essential part of Colombia’s energy sector, the San Carlos power plant helps the nation combat climate change by lowering its reliance on erratic energy sources like coal and oil. It also employs a large number of locals, giving them work in the community.
Powerplant Sogamoso Reviews
The Sogamoso hydroelectric power facility is situated at 7.1003 Latitude and -73.4056 Longitude in the Boyaca region of Colombia. The Colombian government presently oversees the administration of this 820 megawatt power plant, which has been in service since 3365.48. The big reservoir nearby generates hydro energy, which is the main fuel source for the power plant. With careful planning, the reservoir will produce a significant amount of clean, renewable energy with little harm to the environment.
The Sogamoso hydroelectric power plant’s generators and turbines, in conjunction with the reservoir, supply the area with dependable, clean electricity. Because of the reservoir’s, turbines’, and generators’ highly efficient designs, the region’s energy needs can be satisfied. One of the few hydroelectric power facilities in the area capable of producing clean, sustainable electricity is Sogamoso. The facility can now supply energy to the locals at a reasonable cost due to the rise in energy demand.
FAQ
Q. Where are the main power plants located in Colombia?
A. The majority of Colombia’s power plants are found along the Pacific Coast in the country’s west. Located in Cordoba, Valle del Cauca, El presented is the largest of these factories. Smaller auxiliary power plants located throughout the nation provide support to the national grid.
Q. How do power plants in Colombia generate electricity?
A. Hydroelectric power plants, which use the force of water to move turbines and produce electricity, make up the bulk of power plants in Colombia. There are still coal-fired power facilities, however their usage has declined because of environmental concerns. In addition to other sustainable energy sources, solar and wind power are also utilized.
Q. How many power plants are in Colombia?
A. Colombia had about 80 power plants as of 2020, with many hydroelectric facilities making up the majority of them. The majority of the other plants generate power through the use of coal, however some also use wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources.
Q. What are the main sources of energy in Colombia?
A. Approximately 70% of Colombia’s total energy production comes from hydroelectric power, making it the country’s primary energy source. About 25% of the energy comes from coal-fired plants, with the remaining 5% coming from renewable sources like geothermal, solar, and wind power.
Q. How has the energy production in Colombia changed over the years?
A. Colombia has relied less on coal-fired power facilities and more on renewable energy sources in recent years. This is mostly because of the necessity to diversify its energy output and environmental concerns. By 2020, renewable energy will account for over 70% of the nation’s total energy generation.
I hope you find the information about the Colombian power plants that I’ve provided above interesting. If you do, please leave a comment.
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Cory Combs is the Lead Writer and a key contributor at PowerPlantForum.com, a top resource for energy professionals and enthusiasts. With over a decade of experience in power plant operations and a degree in Electrical Engineering, Cory is a recognized authority in the field. His expertise in optimizing energy systems is informed by extensive hands-on experience and research. Follow Cory for the latest updates and expert insights on Instagram.