Ecopetrol targets 2029 launch for La Guajira wind project

Ecopetrol and AES Colombia expect their joint wind project in the department of La Guajira to start operations in 2029. Federico Echavarría, general manager of AES Colombia, outlined the development plans during the Acolgen power generation conference held in Bogotá.

The wind project, structured as a joint venture, gives Ecopetrol a 49% stake while AES Colombia holds 51% with equal partner rights. The full cluster, named Jemeiwaa Ka'l, encompasses more than 1,000 megawatts across several wind farms. That capacity represents approximately 5% of Colombia's total installed capacity of 22,000 megawatts.

The initial 549-megawatt phase has guaranteed power evacuation via the Colectora transmission line, built in two sections by Grupo Energía Bogotá. Within this first stage, the most advanced portion comprises the JK1 and JK2 parks totaling 259 megawatts, which involves an investment close to $500 million.

AES Colombia anticipates closing financing for JK1 and JK2 between late March and early April 2027 to start construction during that same half of the year. The building phase is projected to last 24 months, bringing the initial parks into commercial operation in 2029.