In Colombia, the manufacturing industry has been a significant driver of the economy for decades. However, in recent years, these companies have faced a series of challenges related to increasing energy costs, environmental regulations, and the need to reduce their carbon footprint. As a result, they have started to embrace energy transition in their operations, enabling them to reduce costs and improve their environmental impact. Here are some success stories of companies in Colombia that have implemented renewable energy:
For the past 75 years, Alpina has been promoting sustainable development in Colombia. To become carbon neutral, they have implemented initiatives that have allowed them to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their operations. Over the past 10 years, they have successfully decreased CO2 emissions by 25% through the implementation of an information and carbon footprint management system.
Additionally, Alpina’s biogas plant in Sopó generates energy from wastewater treatment, supplying more than 30% of the electricity demand for their plant. This has led to a 2% reduction in the company’s overall carbon footprint. Furthermore, Alpina has made significant efforts to renew and optimize their vehicle fleet. They currently have Euro IV technology, six gas-powered vehicles, and ten refrigerated vans that operate using solar panels.
By 2023, Alpina aims to source 60% of its electrical energy from renewable sources, with a significant capacity of solar energy in their plants. These efforts demonstrate Alpina’s commitment to sustainability and the transition towards renewable energy sources.
Celsia, a subsidiary of the Argos Group, has made significant progress in the renewable energy business in Colombia. They have developed four large-scale solar farms in the country: Celsia Solar Bolívar, Celsia Solar Espinal, Celsia Solar El Carmelo, and Celsia Solar Yumbo. Furthermore, they have more than 15 solar farms under evaluation, which they plan to develop in partnership with Cubico Sustainable Investment in different regions of the country. These projects will add nearly 650 MW of installed capacity, with investments totaling $1.3 trillion, of which $420 billion will be financed through the Green Bonds program. Celsia’s commitment to expanding renewable energy infrastructure demonstrates their dedication to sustainable development and the transition to clean energy sources.
Isagen is another significant company that has been actively implementing the generation and commercialization of energy in Colombia. They operate 19 power plants with a total capacity of around 3,000 megawatts (2,914.7 MW from hydroelectric sources, 32 MW from wind, and 38 MW from solar, based on Net Effective Capacity). Isagen is moving towards developing a portfolio of renewable energies that harness sources such as water, wind, and solar power. To strengthen their renewable energy generation capacity, Isagen has added 360 megawatts of renewable energy, including approximately 200 megawatts from nine small hydroelectric plants acquired in the department of Antioquia in 2021. This acquisition reaffirms their commitment to hydroelectric power as a clean and cost-effective generation source. Isagen’s efforts contribute to the diversification of Colombia’s energy mix and the promotion of sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solutions.
Grupo Nutresa implements various initiatives to reduce its dependence on non-renewable energy sources. In 2021, the Meat Business, in partnership with Celsia, installed 110 panels at the Rionegro plant in Antioquia, with an installed capacity of 55,870 kWh/year. Additionally, the Biscuit Business, in collaboration with Galletas Noel in Colombia, advanced to phase 2 of photovoltaic energy generation, achieving an installed capacity of 720,000 kWh/year. Both initiatives contribute to the reduction of emissions and contribute to self-sufficiency and energy security through clean energy, resulting in a reduction of 314 tons of CO2 equivalent per year. Grupo Nutresa’s commitment to renewable energy showcases its dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The adoption of renewable energy in businesses is a valuable strategy that not only contributes to environmental protection but can also generate economic benefits and enhance the company’s image in terms of sustainability and social responsibility. The success stories of companies that have implemented renewable energies in Colombia demonstrate the potential of these clean technologies to drive the transition towards a more sustainable energy model.
The time to act is now! We invite you to take action and lead the way towards a greener and more sustainable future for your company and the planet. Together, we can make a difference!
SOURCES OF CONSULTED INFORMATION
(1) Periódico Portafolio, Alpina cumpre meta de neutralidade de plástico e carbono https://www.portafolio.co/negocios/empresas/alpina-cumple-objetivo-de-carbono-y-plastico-neutro-para-mayor-sostenibilidad-579564
(2)Periódico Portafolio, Renewables: the six companies that already reign in the business https://www.portafolio.co/negocios/empresas/renovables-las-seis-empresas-que-ya-reinan-en-el-negocio-555323
(3) Revista Semana, Five cases of companies that bet on the energy transition in Colombia https://www.semana.com/mejor-colombia/articulo/ejemplares-cinco-casos-de-empresas-que-le-apostaron-a-la-transicion-energetica-en-colombia/202300/
(4) Revista Semana, More sustainable: Isagen strengthens its operation with renewable energy https://www.semana.com/sostenibilidad/hablan-las-marcas/articulo/mas-sostenible-isagen-fortalece-su-operacion-con-energias-renovables/202206/
(5)Nutresa Integrated Report 2021: Emissions, Climate Change Mitigation, and Adaptation https://data.gruponutresa.com/informes/2021/Informe_integrado_2021-Emisiones_mitigacion_y_adaptacion_al_cambio_climatico.pdf
