Colombian electric utility Celsia has launched a 19.9-MW solar farm in Puerto Tejada, southwestern Colombia, built for a local manufacturer of hygiene and personal care products.
Celsia and Cubico Partner on Colombian Solar Initiative
Celsia developed this infrastructure through an investment platform with Cubico Sustainable Investments aimed at building photovoltaic projects over 8 MW in Colombia, creating 295 jobs during its construction.
Equipped with 49,350 photovoltaic modules, the 19.9 MW system will supply 43.8% of the energy needed by the Grupo Familia plant, an Essity company. This initiative will prevent the emission of over 1,400 tons of CO2 annually—an amount equivalent to what is absorbed by a 140-hectare pine forest, roughly the size of 200 soccer fields.
“We are very proud to be able to inaugurate our first solar farm in the country, which undoubtedly represents a milestone for us and demonstrates our interest in building more sustainable and circular societies. This commitment to solar energy is in line with our sustainability strategy and commitment to reduce environmental impact, protect biodiversity and achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This is done through energy efficiency, the elimination of fossil fuels and the increase in renewable energy, so we will continue to look for alternatives that have a positive multiplier effect on the planet,” said Diego Loaiza, CEO of Grupo Familia.
Making Strides Toward Net-Zero Emissions Goal
The company has made notable progress toward its goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, as well as its Science-Based Target of reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 35% by 2030. Between 2016 and 2023, the company achieved a 26% reduction in these emissions. This progress is driven by technological renewal and reduced fossil fuel consumption, aligning with plans established for the local market.
These advancements have earned Essity recognition from Corporate Knights as one of the most sustainable companies globally, landing it a spot on the Global 100 list and a ranking in the top 1% for sustainability performance worldwide. This new Celsia solar farm greatly enhances the environmental performance of the operation.
Celsia’s Solar Farm to Feed Excess Energy into Grid
The farm covers 39.5 hectares and is built to operate for 30 years, ensuring a lasting positive environmental impact while boosting the company’s competitiveness. Any surplus Celsia energy not consumed by the plant will be fed into the National Interconnected System, benefiting the wider community.
“With the involvement of Grupo Familia in this initiative, we continue to strengthen our capacity to be agents of change to transform and build a better country. In a context in which there is still talk of energy transition and the need to produce more and more sustainable energy, these types of efforts contribute to the generation of national progress and development, and to the competitiveness of allied companies, which translates into greater efficiencies and a smaller carbon footprint,” said Luis Felipe Vélez, commercial leader of Celsia.
The personal hygiene plant in Cauca currently employs 580 people and manufactures more than 320 products. These products are distributed within Colombia and to other markets, including Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Argentina, and Brazil.
