Around 65% of electricity in Colombia is generated from hydropower. While this renewable energy source is climate-friendly, it makes the country highly dependent on rainfall. Recent droughts caused by the El Niño phenomenon have clearly shown how fragile this system is: in some regions, reservoir levels dropped to only 20% of capacity. Fossil power plants had to temporarily cover up to 50% of electricity demand, leading to rising energy prices and an increase in CO₂ emissions.

Therefore, the integration of additional renewable energy sources into the energy mix is of central importance. Photovoltaics are particularly promising in Colombia, as the country enjoys 1,500 to 2,000 hours of sunshine per year, providing excellent natural conditions. Moreover, global levelized costs of electricity for solar energy now average 0.04–0.05 USD/kWh, significantly below the costs of generating electricity from imported fossil fuels. Solar energy thus not only contributes to the resilience of the energy mix but also supports stable and affordable energy prices for end consumers in the long term. 

This is where Ongresso Energy’s project comes in: with the bettervest loan, the Swiss company finances the project company “Brillo Renovables” – a 50/50 joint venture between Ongresso Energy and a major European Utility – in the form of a shareholder loan. The project company is responsible for the development, construction, ownership, and operation of solar photovoltaic energy plants in Colombia.

This project will involve the construction of photovoltaic plants with a capacity of 1,309 kWp. This will generate 2,562 MWh of energy annually, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of around 730 households. 

San Rafael 1 is part of a portfolio of three decentralized solar energy projects in San Rafael de Lebrija, in the Colombian region of Rionegro, Santander. The project scope includes the development, construction and operation of a photovoltaic plant designed to supply renewable energy, reduce emissions, and support the expansion of a decentralized portfolio of clean energy in Colombia. The overall project thus contributes to the diversification of Colombia’s energy mix.

The Ongresso Energy project actively contributes to 8 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): 

SDG 1 (No Poverty): The project creates jobs during both the construction and operation phases, providing the local population with additional income opportunities. 

SDG 4 (Quality Education): The project is currently evaluating potential education initiatives in collaboration with local schools. Possible support measures include training sessions as well as the provision of learning and teaching materials. 

SDG 5 (Gender Equality): The project ensures that all contractors provide equal employment opportunities for men and women and do not discriminate against minorities. Additionally, the Ongresso Energy Code of Conduct and Ethics must be adhered to and communicated to all employees. 

SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): The solar plants generate clean, renewable solar energy. The energy is either fed into the national medium-voltage grid and distributed to end consumers or in the case of C&I rooftop solar plants directly used for on-site consumption. In this way, the project contributes to a cleaner energy supply and reduces the use of more environmentally harmful energy sources. 

SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): By creating jobs, a safe and professional working environment is ensured, as all contractors are required to comply with the highest health and safety standards. At the same time, the projects contribute to the economic development of the local community by creating additional employment opportunities and collaborating with other local companies to procure local services and goods such as security personnel, concrete, fencing, etc. This helps to support small and medium-sized enterprises in the region. 

SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): The project contributes to the modernization of electricity generation infrastructure, with solar modules that are robust, durable, and resource efficient. At the same time, the use of clean technologies in rural areas is promoted. 

SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): The project helps reduce inequalities by deliberately hiring workers of different genders and with various educational backgrounds from the region. 

SDG 13 (Climate Action): The project reduces greenhouse gas emissions and actively supports the transition to a more sustainable, diversified energy supply in Colombia.

Every year, UPME, the Colombian Mining and Energy Planning Unit, and XM, the operators of the national electricity grid, publish the previous year’s grid emission factor. Ongresso Energy uses this indicator to calculate the CO₂ savings achieved by its projects. In 2024, Colombia’s electricity generation mix consisted of approximately 62% hydropower, 29% thermal power plants, and 9% solar energy, resulting in a relatively low grid emission factor of 0.21742 tons of CO₂ per MWh.

The photovoltaic plants save approximately 550 tons of CO₂ annually by feeding solar power into the Colombian grid.