Atlas Renewable Energy: Clean Energy in Colombia

Atlas Renewable Energy has developed projects across Latin America. What are your main initiatives in Colombia, and what impact do you expect to generate in the country’s energy transition?

In Colombia, Atlas Renewable Energy is developing the Shangri-La solar project in Ibagué, which will have an installed capacity of 201 MWp—enough to supply energy to over 200,000 families. This project contributes to diversifying and strengthening the country’s energy matrix while generating over 1,000 direct jobs during its construction phase. Additionally, Atlas is committed to social inclusion through initiatives like ‘Somos Parte de la Misma Energía’, which has trained more than 120 women in solar panel installation, Health & Safety, among other skills.

Financing renewable energy remains a challenge in emerging markets. From Atlas’s perspective, what financial mechanisms or incentives would be key to accelerating the development of projects in Colombia?

For investment in renewable energy to accelerate in Colombia, it is essential to have long-term regulatory stability and clear public policies. The country has already attracted over US $2 billion in renewable energy investments, with projects representing more than 2,000 MW of installed capacity. However, fostering private sector participation through legal certainty is key to ensuring sustained investment in new infrastructure. By 2025, with 19 new projects coming into operation, Colombia’s renewable energy capacity will reach 2,550 MW, equivalent to the consumption of 6.8 million Colombians. This demonstrates the sector’s growth potential, which could be further strengthened through stable regulatory frameworks and investment-friendly policies.

One of the major topics at the summit is the modernization and expansion of energy infrastructure. What are the main challenges Atlas has identified in integrating renewable energy into Colombia’s power grid?

One of the primary challenges is the lack of adequate infrastructure for energy transmission, which contributes to high energy costs in some regions. Expanding transmission capacity and integrating battery energy storage systems (BESS) are critical to ensuring an efficient and reliable supply. Addressing these challenges will help Colombia transition towards a more resilient and competitive energy system.

In the context of the energy transition, strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors are fundamental. How does Atlas Renewable Energy see its role in the development of public policies and regulations that encourage the adoption of clean energy?

At Atlas Renewable Energy, our focus is on developing and implementing renewable energy projects that drive the transition to cleaner sources. To achieve this, we rely on a regulatory framework that provides the necessary guarantees to carry out these projects efficiently and sustainably. The public sector plays a fundamental role in creating clear and stable policies that encourage investment and ensure the long-term viability of clean energy initiatives. By working together, we can accelerate the transition while maintaining a reliable and resilient energy system.

Energy storage is a key pillar in ensuring the stability of the renewable energy matrix. What innovations or storage solutions is Atlas exploring to enhance the reliability and efficiency of Colombia’s power supply?‍

Atlas Renewable Energy has begun integrating Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) into its projects to improve grid stability and ensure a reliable energy supply. These systems optimize energy distribution, balance supply and demand fluctuations, and mitigate transmission constraints.

For large energy consumers, BESS technology offers a clear financial advantage by reducing energy consumption costs through optimized storage and discharge strategies. Additionally, in the commercialization of renewable energy, storage solutions enable hybridization strategies that ensure a reliable, competitive, and sustainable energy supply.

Leveraging our experience in Latin America, we are advancing innovative storage solutions such as BESS del Desierto. By the end of April 2025, this project will become one of the largest energy storage initiatives in Chile and Latin America, with an installed capacity of 200 MW, four hours of discharge, and 800 MWh of storage capacity. This initiative underscores our commitment to scaling up energy storage solutions that not only enhance grid resilience but also provide tangible benefits to energy-intensive industries, fostering a more efficient and cost-effective transition to renewables.

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