New transmission projects

The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MinEnergia) authorized the construction of eight new energy transmission projects.

The projects will be developed in Huila, Valle del Cauca and Antioquia, and will improve reliability in the service, La Republica reported.

These new transmission projects should come into operation between 2022 and 2026.

MinEnergia Diego Mesa said that these projects will allow further progress in Colombia’s energy transition.

“This through the incorporation of new unconventional renewable energy projects into the electricity system, especially in the Caribbean region,” Mesa said.

The ‘Generation and Transmission Reference Expansion Plan’ contemplates the construction of two new substations in Huila and Valle del Cauca for the connection of new power generation plants.

New transformers will be installed in the Sogamoso (Santander) and Primavera (Antioquia) substations to increase their capacity.

Additional work will be done to improve reliability at the San Marcos substation in Valle del Cauca.

Authorities will install ‘FACTS’ devices to connect to the national system of new generation projects, especially wind farms to be built in the Caribbean region, at substations in La Guajira, Cesar, Magdalena and Atlántico. These devices make it possible to control the transfer of energy through transmission lines and redirect it to avoid overloads.

The capacity of the Nueva Esperanza substation, located in the department of Cundinamarca, will also be expanded to allow the connection of new users in the area.