Ecopetrol, Colombia’s state-owned oil company, has taken a significant step towards diversifying its energy portfolio by acquiring full ownership of Compañía Wind Autogeneración, the entity behind the Windpeshi wind project in La Guajira. This strategic move aligns with Ecopetrol’s broader goal of enhancing its renewable energy portfolio and supporting Colombia’s energy transition.
The Windpeshi project, located between the municipalities of Uribia and Maicao, is poised to become a cornerstone of Ecopetrol’s renewable energy strategy. With a capacity of 205MW, the wind farm will be integrated into the Ecopetrol Group’s self-consumption portfolio, generating an average of 1,006 gigawatt hours (GWh) per year. This output is expected to meet between 8% and 9% of the company’s total energy demand, marking a substantial shift towards cleaner energy sources.
Construction of the Windpeshi project is set to commence by the end of 2025, with operations anticipated to begin before 2028. The project is estimated to reduce CO₂ emissions by 4.8 million tonnes, contributing significantly to Colombia’s decarbonisation efforts. Ecopetrol plans to invest $350 million in the project between 2025 and 2027, underscoring its commitment to renewable energy.
This acquisition represents Ecopetrol’s first fully developed renewable energy project and marks the beginning of its venture into building non-conventional renewable energy projects in La Guajira. The region is globally recognised for its solar and wind energy potential, making it an ideal location for such initiatives.
However, the path to completion has not been without challenges. In May 2023, Enel Colombia, which previously controlled Wind Autogeneración, announced the permanent suspension of the Windpeshi wind farm construction due to consistent protests by local communities. Ecopetrol will now oversee the integration of Wind Autogeneración into its group structure, a process that will be crucial in addressing these community concerns and ensuring the project’s success.
The development of the Windpeshi project could set a precedent for other energy companies in Colombia and beyond, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of integrating renewable energy sources into traditional energy portfolios. It also highlights the importance of engaging with local communities to address their concerns and ensure the smooth implementation of such projects.
As Ecopetrol embarks on this new chapter, the energy sector will be watching closely to see how this transition unfolds. The success of the Windpeshi project could accelerate the adoption of renewable energy in Colombia and inspire similar initiatives in other regions with high renewable energy potential.