Colombia · Energy
Key Facts
—Construction Scale. Celsia is building 17 solar farms with 260 MW across four Colombian departments, using 650,000 panels.
—Investment Total. The projects represent over COP 1 trillion (US$255.6 million) in investment through its C2 Energía platform.
—Job Creation. The construction phase is generating 3,500 direct and indirect jobs nationwide.
—Regional Focus. Farms are concentrated in Valle del Cauca (109.2 MW), Tolima (69.5 MW), Santander (59.7 MW), and Sucre (19.9 MW).
—2025 Capex Plan. Celsia earmarked COP 900 billion (US$219 million) of its COP 1.3 trillion 2025 budget specifically for solar energy.
Colombian energy firm Celsia is rapidly expanding its solar footprint, with 260 megawatts currently under construction across 17 new farms, as part of a broader strategy to install 1,000 MW of solar and wind capacity by 2027, backed by heavy investment.
Celsia’s Solar Construction Push
Celsia confirmed in a corporate release that it has 17 large-scale solar farm projects currently under construction, totaling 260 megawatts (MW). The projects span the departments of Valle del Cauca, Tolima, Santander, and Sucre.
The buildout involves the installation of 650,000 solar panels and is expected to generate approximately 3,500 jobs during the construction phase. The farms are being developed through C2 Energía, a joint venture with global renewable investor Cubico Sustainable Investments.
This push is part of Celsia’s stated goal to reach 1,000 MW of operational solar and wind capacity in Colombia by 2027, a target the company has reiterated in public filings and media statements.
Investment and Funding Strategy
Total investment for the 17-farm portfolio exceeds COP 1 trillion, equivalent to roughly US$255.6 million at current exchange rates. Celsia is financing the projects through its C2 Energía platform, a partnership with Cubico Sustainable Investments.
In 2025, Celsia plans total capital expenditures of COP 1.3 trillion (US$316.5 million), with COP 900 billion (US$219 million) directed specifically at solar energy, according to figures reported by Reuters. This reflects the company’s prioritization of renewable expansion.
An earlier, smaller project—a solar plant in Buga, Valle del Cauca—required an investment of COP 55 billion (about US$14.1 million), underscoring the scale of the current pipeline.
Regional Breakdown and Local Impact
The 17 farms are distributed as follows: eight in Valle del Cauca (109.2 MW), five in Tolima (69.5 MW), three in the Chicamocha area of Santander (59.7 MW), and one in Sucre (19.9 MW).
Valle del Cauca hosts the largest share, including a recently inaugurated plant in Buga and a 19.9 MW project in Puerto Tejada built for Grupo Familia/Essity. These projects are expected to supply clean energy to local industries and communities.
The construction phase alone is creating thousands of jobs, providing an economic boost in several regions. The solar farms will also help diversify Colombia’s energy matrix, which has historically relied heavily on hydropower.
What It Means for Expats and Investors
Celsia’s large-scale solar investment signals Colombia’s growing commitment to non-hydro renewables, potentially improving energy reliability and creating opportunities for foreign investors in the sector.
The heavy weighting of 2025 capital spending toward solar—coupled with a clear 1,000 MW target—suggests a stable regulatory and business environment for renewable infrastructure. This could attract further international capital and partnerships.
For expats living in Colombia, a more diversified energy grid could mean fewer weather-related power disruptions. The influx of investment may also support jobs, local services, and a greener economy in the regions where farms are built.
Background
Celsia is the energy arm of Grupo Argos, one of Colombia’s largest conglomerates. The company has increasingly focused on renewable energy, stating a goal of operating 1,000 MW of solar and wind by 2027.
Earlier corporate communications mentioned a mid-term target of 600 MW of solar under development plus 330 MW of wind by 2025, but the more recent emphasis is on the 1,000 MW combined goal by 2027.
C2 Energía, the development vehicle for many of these projects, is a joint venture with Cubico Sustainable Investments, a UK-based renewable energy investor. The partnership was designed to accelerate Celsia’s non-conventional renewable portfolio.
The Numbers in Context
Celsia’s own corporate release confirms 260 MW under construction. However, a subsequent report by Colombian newspaper La República quoted a company official saying it had ‘339 MW and another 300 MW under construction,’ suggesting the pipeline may have grown.
Some media outlets have referenced a 580 MWp target for solar by end-2026, but this figure does not appear in any Celsia or Grupo Argos filing verified by The Rio Times. The number may include projects still in early development or unconfirmed stages.
Readers should rely on Celsia’s official communications for project status. The 260 MW across 17 farms remains the only fully verified construction figure at this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Celsia’s renewable energy goal?
Celsia aims to have 1,000 megawatts of solar and wind power in operation in Colombia by 2027, according to company statements.
How much is Celsia investing in its current solar projects?
The 17 solar farms under construction represent a total investment exceeding COP 1 trillion (approximately US$255.6 million). Additionally, Celsia has allocated COP 900 billion (US$219 million) of its 2025 budget to solar.
Where are the new Celsia solar farms being built?
The 17 confirmed farms are located in Valle del Cauca, Tolima, Santander, and Sucre, with the largest concentration in Valle del Cauca.
Sources: Celsia; Grupo Argos; La Republica.
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