Erco Energía launches 15‑MW solar plant in Tolima, Colombia

Erco Energía has placed into operation the Chenche solar plant in the municipality of Purificación, Tolima. The facility features 20,925 photovoltaic modules with a peak capacity of 14.96 MWp and an effective delivery power of 9.9 MW, enough to meet the annual electricity demand of roughly 10,000 Colombian households.

The project includes a 4.5 MWh battery storage system that captures surplus solar generation during peak irradiation and releases it when demand rises or solar output falls. To integrate the plant into the national grid, Erco upgraded the nearby Hilarco substation, installing a new 34.5 kV/13.2 kV substation with six electrical bays to ensure reliable transmission.

CEO Juan Camilo López said the Chenche plant demonstrates Erco’s commitment to expanding Colombia’s solar capacity and advancing battery‑storage solutions, especially as the country prepares for potentially intense El Niño conditions.