Ecopetrol's board of directors has taken a key step by approving the allocation of resources to promote the construction of the Windpeshi wind farmThis project will be located in the department of La Guajira, in the far north of Colombia. This initiative is considered one of the company's major investments within its energy transition strategy and diversification of the electricity mix.
With this decision, the company confirms the so-called final investment decision (FID)This milestone marks the end of the evaluation phase and the definitive start of the construction stage. Although Ecopetrol has not yet made public the total investment amount, it has emphasized that this is a priority project within its renewable energy portfolio.
The Windpeshi wind farm will be located in the municipalities of Uribia and Maicao, in La Guajiraan area known for its high potential for consistent and favorable winds for electricity generation. The company has indicated that this will be the Ecopetrol's first wind power project developed, built and operated entirely by itself, which gives it a strategic character within its energy transformation.
According to information provided by the company and reported by various media outlets, Windpeshi will become the largest wind farm in the countrywith the capacity to increase Colombia's currently installed wind power fivefold. This quantitative leap aims to strengthen the contribution of non-conventional renewables to the national electricity system.
FID approval means that the project has passed all reviews technical, financial and operational necessary to guarantee its viability. Ecopetrol has explained that this decision is based both on the technological analysis of the park's design and on the prior work carried out in the territory with local communities and institutions in the area.
Technical characteristics and generation capacity of the wind farm
From a technical point of view, Windpeshi will have a installed capacity of 205 megawatts (MW) of wind energyThis power will be supported by the installation of a total of 41 wind turbines, each with 5 MW of nominal power, thus configuring one of the most relevant wind farm complexes in the region.
Official projections indicate that, once operational, the park will be able to to generate around 1.006 gigawatt hours (GWh) of energy each yearThis production volume will allow the group to cover a significant portion of its own electricity demand, reducing its dependence on conventional generation sources.
The project design is completed with a medium voltage substation equipped with a 180 MVA transformerThis infrastructure is a key element for adapting the energy produced by wind turbines to the levels required for its transmission and integration into the grid. It has been designed to operate according to the technical standards of large-scale projects.
To evacuate the energy produced, the plan includes a transmission line approximately 60 kilometers long, operating at 220 kVThis line will connect to an already approved link point within the National Interconnected System (SIN), allowing the generated electricity to be stably incorporated into the Colombian grid.
Overall, the combination of power, number of wind turbines, and evacuation capacity aims to position Windpeshi as reference in large-scale wind projects in the country, both for its size and for its contribution to the diversification of the energy matrix.
Environmental impact and contribution to decarbonization
One of the points that Ecopetrol has emphasized most is the positive environmental impact associated with the start of operations at WindpeshiWith an estimated annual production of 1.006 GWh, the park will allow for a significant reduction in emissions linked to traditional electricity generation.
The company's estimates indicate that the wind farm complex It will prevent the emission of more than 140.000 tons of CO₂ per yearTo illustrate this magnitude, Ecopetrol has equated this reduction to removing from circulation some 90.000 vehicles during a full year, a comparison that helps to measure the benefit in terms of air quality and the fight against climate change.
A large part of the energy produced will be used for Ecopetrol Group's energy self-sufficiencyThis will directly contribute to the decarbonization of its industrial and operational activities. This approach aligns with the company's long-term goals, which are to reduce its carbon footprint and increase the proportion of renewable energy in its electricity consumption.
In addition to its impact on emissions, the project aligns with Colombia's efforts to Strengthen the reliability of the National Interconnected System through the addition of new clean energy generation capacity in a strategic region. The presence of a large wind farm in La Guajira contributes to the resilience and diversification of the country's energy system.
From a broader perspective, initiatives like Windpeshi also place Colombia on a similar path to other markets, such as Spain and several European countrieswhere onshore and offshore wind energy has become one of the pillars of the energy transition and large-scale emissions reduction.
Relationship with the territory and work with the communities
Ecopetrol has emphasized that the development of Windpeshi has been accompanied by a prolonged territorial relations process with the communities in the area of influence, as well as with local authorities and other stakeholders. The company maintains that this approach has been crucial in bringing the project to its current stage.
In its public communications, the company has reiterated that “Windpeshi’s success depends on joint development and a permanent presence in the territory, based on principles of respect, participation and co-responsibility”This vision aims to integrate the project into the local dynamics and minimize potential social or environmental conflicts.
La Guajira is a region with strong cultural and social characteristicsas well as significant challenges regarding access to basic services and economic development. The implementation of large-scale initiatives, such as this wind farm, is usually accompanied by expectations regarding employment, investment, and infrastructure improvements—aspects that companies must manage with caution and ongoing dialogue.
In this context, Ecopetrol has stressed the importance of maintaining a constant institutional presence in the territory, beyond the specific phases of construction or equipment assembly. The company views the project as an opportunity to establish long-term relationships with the communities, aligned with the principles of just transition and participation.
This type of approach is linked to experiences observed in wind farms developed in Europewhere the involvement of local populations and the creation of shared benefits has become a key element for the social acceptance of renewable infrastructures.
Energy transition strategy and regional relevance
Windpeshi is fully integrated into the Ecopetrol's energy transition and diversification strategyThe company, which seeks to increase the weight of non-conventional renewables within its portfolio, is progressively incorporating clean energy projects as part of its sustainability goals. Historically focused on hydrocarbons, the company is also seeking to increase the weight of non-conventional renewables within its portfolio.
The bet for Wind power generation as a complement to other renewable technologies It responds both to environmental commitments and to the need to adapt to an international context in which climate policies, regulations and the demands of financial markets increasingly penalize high-emission activities.
The choice of La Guajira as a location is due to the high wind potential of the regionThis area is considered one of the regions with the best wind resources in Colombia. Technical studies indicate that the consistency and speed of the winds in this area allow for competitive plant factors, comparable to those of other relevant wind corridors globally.
Ecopetrol has indicated that Windpeshi will take advantage of Technology designed to operate in demanding climatic environmentsThe design is tailored to the specific characteristics of the area and aligned with standard practices for large-scale projects. While the company has not released detailed specifications for the wind turbines, it has emphasized that the design adheres to industry best practices.
With the investment authorized, the project now enters a phase that includes the execution of civil works, assembly of wind turbines and construction of the associated electrical infrastructureEcopetrol has not specified exact dates for the start of commercial operations, but has indicated that activities will proceed according to the schedules defined after FID approval.
Ecopetrol's decision to promote Windpeshi as its first wind farm developed and operated entirely by the company This marks a turning point in its energy trajectory. The project combines significant generation capacity, a substantial contribution to emissions reduction, and a local approach, positioning La Guajira as a key location for the expansion of renewable energy in Colombia and aligning the country with trends already observed in markets such as Spain and Europe.