Erco Andes 386 MW Solar Breaks Ground in Colombia in 2027

The Antioquia-based firm plans to double its 2027 outlays in solar power, battery storage, and electric mobility, while also funding initiatives in areas devastated by the recent earthquake.

Colombia faces the dual challenge of rebuilding significant portions of its energy infrastructure in earthquake-stricken regions and expanding its power grid to accommodate a higher share of renewable sources.

Against this backdrop, Erco Energía is preparing for one of the largest investment jumps in its history for 2027.

Having closed a Series C funding round, the company will direct the new capital toward infrastructure and expects to more than double the investment made in 2026. The flagship project will be Andes, a 386 MWp (megawatt peak) solar plant in Santander that will mark a significant scale-up for the firm.

This initiative will be joined by La Unión and Erco Natagaima, two solar parks of approximately 15 MWp each, both of which will integrate 25 MWh battery storage systems per plant.

The company will also move forward with its own developments, including the 65 MWp Pacandé project and the 75 MWp La Achira project, both of which are scheduled to break ground in 2027. “The focus will be on the 386 MWp Andes Project in Santander, which will represent a significant scale-up for the company,” said Juan Camilo López, co-founder and CEO of Erco.

The goal is to conclude that year with approximately 400 MWp in installed and under-construction capacity, alongside roughly 16 new operational projects. Concurrently, distributed generation is expected to reach 75 MWp, with a focus on the Caribbean region, while the firm plans to install 30 electric vehicle charging stations in public spaces, corporate fleets, and residential units.

Erco has also activated support programs for employees and family members affected by recent events and is collaborating with organizations such as ProChocó to design self-generation solutions with energy storage. The company is further evaluating projects for schools and rural water systems located within the influence zones of its existing developments.

However, López cautioned that solar energy cannot be presented as an immediate solution without first assessing the conditions of the existing infrastructure.

The company is conducting preliminary technical assessments in the affected regions to identify locations where these technologies could be economically feasible.

This long-term strategy extends beyond the immediate crisis, focusing on converting capital into energy infrastructure that will expand the nation's renewable capacity. Erco Energía has set a target of establishing a 1,300 MWp platform in Colombia by 2030.

Opinion column: Juan Camilo López, CEO of Erco Energía:

Erco Energía concluded a Series C funding round in 2026, securing US$129 million in equity. This transaction stands as one of the largest capital raises by a Colombian company to date. The infusion of funds reinforces the firm’s 14-year track record in developing energy solutions and marks the beginning of a new phase of expansion for the business.

Over the course of its history, Erco has developed more than 450 MWp of solar project capacity and holds 150 MWp in owned assets. These figures have established the company as a leading operator in the Colombian solar sector. This generation capacity is complemented by its energy trading platform, which handles a monthly volume exceeding 120 GWh.

Building on this foundation, the company’s shareholders have directed that the new capital be converted into physical infrastructure. The primary focus for 2027 will be the Andes Project, a 386 MWp facility located in Barrancabermeja, which represents a significant step up in scale.

The firm will also accelerate its distributed generation efforts, aiming to bring 75 MWp into operation with a specific emphasis on the Colombian Caribbean region. This expansion will be supported by other owned projects scheduled for execution in 2027, including the 65 MWp Pacandé project and the 75 MWp La Achira project, among others.

The rollout will be complemented by electric mobility, with Erco operating 30 public charging points. By 2030, the company aims to convert its experience and capital into infrastructure and a 1,300 MWp renewable energy platform for Colombia.