Another coal-fired power plant will be transformed into a PV farm with energy storage facilities
In an environmentally significant move, a coal-fired power plant in Colombia with a capacity of 290 MW is set to undergo a complete transformation into a renewable energy system. This transition will involve the establishment of a photovoltaic farm alongside energy storage facilities at the site. This conversion marks a significant step towards sustainable and cleaner energy production.
A significant environmental milestone is underway in Colombia’s northern region of La Guajira. The Termoguajira power plant, boasting a capacity of 290 MW, is set to become one of the country’s pioneering facilities to achieve complete decarbonization, as announced by the Ministry of Mines and Energy on July 1st.
Although the official statement did not provide specific details regarding the planned photovoltaic (PV) capacity and energy storage installations, these crucial aspects will be unveiled by November of this year. Presently, the power plant predominantly generates energy through coal and employs natural gas as a supporting fuel during unit startup.
Colombia, like its South American counterparts, is progressively moving towards investing in energy storage. In 2021, the Ministry initiated the nation’s inaugural tender for an energy storage system, which was subsequently secured by Canadian Solar.
Energy storage is replacing power plants and coal mines
The trend of energy storage replacing coal-fired power plants or abandoned mines is gaining momentum globally, and Colombia is joining this movement with its recent investment. This transformation serves as tangible evidence of the ongoing energy revolution.
In line with this trend, Synergy, the largest energy producer-retailer in Western Australia, announced on July 3rd that construction has commenced for the Kwinana Battery Energy Storage System 2. This facility will be established on the grounds of the former Kwinana Power Station, located in the southern part of Western Australia’s capital, Perth. Envisioned as a 200 MW system, it’s projected to be completed by the second half of 2024.
This development in Colombia echoes similar initiatives seen recently in Australia and Hawaii, where investments in energy storage are making significant strides towards sustainable energy practices.