How regulatory clarity is revolutionizing Colombia’s energy market
In the dynamic world of renewable energy, meteocontrol continues to push boundaries. During the recent Energyear Colombia event in Medellín, our Account Manager, David Koch, shared insights into meteocontrol's impressive growth story in Latin America, where the company monitors 750 PV plants with over 1.1 GW of installed capacity. With a degree in Electrical Engineering specializing in Renewable Energy and extensive experience in the Colombian market since 2020, David has developed numerous projects and has a deep understanding of the regulations and market requirements.
Market Development: Growth and Future Prospects
Colombia's renewable energy sector is experiencing significant growth. The nation’s cumulative installed photovoltaic (PV) capacity has reached 1,193 MW, driven by recent projects from both national and international players. With 637.08 MW of solar and wind projects nearing commercial operation, the country is well on its way to achieving its goal of 6 GW of renewable energy by 2026. By the end of 2023, Colombia had already increased its installed PV capacity to 952 MW from 457 MW at the end of 2022, showcasing rapid expansion supported by favorable regulatory conditions and technological advancements (source: PV Magazine). Meteocontrol monitors over 400 MW in Colombia, covering approximately 35-45% of the market, highlighting its significant role in the country's renewable energy landscape.
Regulatory Clarity as a Growth Driver
A key to our success in Colombia lies in the country’s clear and well-structured regulatory landscape. "Colombia is one of the best-regulated markets we have," explains David Koch. This clarity creates a stable environment for investors and companies, with transparent rules from the start.
The government plays a crucial role in creating this favorable environment. They establish clear guidelines and streamline project approvals, permits, and grid interconnection processes. By reducing bureaucratic barriers and simplifying procedures, the government facilitates the development of solar projects, attracting investments and driving market growth.
The primary regulatory entities for technical interconnection requirements are CREG and CNO. Grid connection conditions vary based on interconnection voltage and project size. The main grid operators—Celsia, EPM, and ENEL—are significant players in integrating renewable energy projects. This robust regulatory framework allows meteocontrol to provide tailored solutions, ensuring efficient project implementation and compliance.
Understanding the grid's evolving needs, such as the future integration of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), positions meteocontrol to meet upcoming requirements. Leveraging its expertise, meteocontrol contributes to the sustainable growth of Colombia’s renewable energy sector, supporting partners and driving the market forward.
Future Challenges: Timelines and Logistics
Despite these positive developments, there are challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is the tight timelines set by regulatory requirements. Per CREG 174 regulation, projects under 5 MW have a deadline of 6 months to complete the entire PV system and tests, with an option to request an additional 3 months from the authorities (UPME). For utility projects over 5 MW, the timeline pressures are different; customers need to ensure that civil engineering is at least 50% complete to retain the interconnection point. The pandemic has also disrupted global supply chains, complicating project planning and implementation. Meteocontrol strives to balance sufficient planning time with the need to avoid project delays.
Technological Innovation: The Gamechanger
Our commitment to technological innovation is evident in our latest products. The Power Plant Controller (PPC) is our main seller in Colombia, ensuring optimal integration and control of PV systems with the grid. It supports precise control of active and reactive power, complying with both national and international grid codes. The PPC is also designed to meet the country-specific grid codes across many Latin American countries, ensuring reliable control and grid integration.
Complementing the PPC, our SCADA Center PLC offers all the functionalities of a traditional SCADA system but at significantly lower costs and with enhanced cybersecurity. This system provides comprehensive monitoring and control, real-time visualization, efficient fault management, high-quality analyses, power flow diagrams, and smart alarm management.
Lastly, our Hybrid Energy Management System (Hybrid EMS) is beginning to gain traction. It enables the integration and control of storage systems, optimizing energy project performance. Key features include PV self-consumption, zero feed-in, peak shaving, energy trading, setpoint control, and reactive power control, ensuring seamless integration and maximum efficiency.
Whether for new or existing plants, commercial or utility, the blue'Log XM / XC solution offers improved information security, usability, and flexibility, continuously expanding functionality to comply with certifications and power control requirements.
Looking Ahead: Storage Technologies and Market Expansion
We are optimistic about the future. Storage technologies are seen as a central component of the global energy transition. "Storage will be essential not just in Colombia but worldwide," emphasizes Koch. Meteocontrol is already involved in several storage projects in Colombia and other countries and sees this as a key area for future growth.
For more details on meteocontrol's SCADA products, visit SCADA Center and for more on PPC, visit Power Plant Controller.