In addition, Ecopetrol has presented plans to start the construction of the Windpeshi wind farm by late 2025. This landmark creation, on the border between Uribia and Maicao municipalities in Colombia, is expected to start operating ahead of 2028. With the addition of the Windpeshi wind farm, the province will soon be producing 205 megawatts (MW) of wind energy. This new capacity will drastically reduce energy costs while helping the region decarbonize even faster.
Adding to Colombia’s renewable energy momentum, the new Windpeshi wind farm is projected to have a powerful impact. By leveraging wind power, it is committed to decreasing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by a projected 4.8 million tonnes. This reduction is in accordance with the Colombian government’s objective of energy transition to less polluting sources and climate change adaptation.
Investment and Economic Impact
Ecopetrol’s investment to make Windpeshi a reality is no small potatoes, adding up to some $350 million from 2025 to 2027. This investment further demonstrates the company’s commitment to delivering next-generation renewable energy solutions in Colombia. The ambitious project will bring clean energy and thousands of new jobs. It holds the potential to revitalize our communities’ local economies throughout the years of construction and after.
The economic impact extends further than job creation. The Windpeshi wind farm is expected to stabilize and lower energy costs for consumers in the long term. Renewable energy is quickly taking over the market. This transition is helping us use less fossil fuel and doing good for the environment and local communities.
Overcoming Local Challenges
The Windpeshi wind farm was struggling to get off the ground before Ecopetrol entered the picture. In fact, in May 2023 Enel Colombia announced a permanent suspension of construction in the face of continued activism and protests from local communities. These protests were emblematic of deeply held concerns about environmental harms and a community’s right to self-determination.
Ecopetrol has stated that it will seek to remedy these issues as it continues with the project. The company plans to engage with local stakeholders to foster dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that community voices are heard throughout the construction process. With transparency and cooperation as guiding principles, Ecopetrol aims to reduce discord and foster a collaborative vision for a sustainable future.
Future Prospects
Ecopetrol, Colombia’s state-owned oil company, is preparing to embark on just such an ambitious project. At the same time, the Windpeshi wind farm represents Colombia’s commitment to renewable energy. Construction should start by the end of 2025. The project is a testbed to meet operational goals by 2028, setting it up for massive leaps in clean energy generation capacity.