12 February 2026
Cubico, in partnership with Celsia, is nearing completion on two major solar projects in Colombia: Escobales and Valledupar. Together they bring more than 220 MWp of clean energy capacity and represent an important step in supporting Colombia’s energy transition, strengthening the grid and creating opportunities for local communities.
For Project Manager Jorge Vidal, who has been working across both sites, the progress is the result of steady teamwork and a strong sense of shared purpose.
Escobales: Steady Progress, Strong Local Involvement and a Step Change in Safety
94% complete
The 144 MWp Escobales complex is the largest project in the C2Sun joint venture portfolio, comprising six plants and more than 242,000 bifacial modules. Four plants, CEMEX, Escobales 1, 4 and 5, are already energised, with the final two due in Q1 2026.
Escobales has surpassed 2 million work hours, with the workforce peaking at over 1,000 people, many from nearby towns and villages. As Jorge notes: “You can see the value of local hiring immediately. People bring knowledge of the area, and it creates a sense of ownership. It’s good for the project, and it’s good for the local community in the region as well.”
Powering Cemex’s Caracolito Plant
The energised CEMEX plant is now supplying clean energy to the Caracolito cement operation through an agreement between Celsia and Cemex.
With 19.9 MWac of installed capacity, it provides the Caracolito Plant with 42,865 MWh of solar energy annually, replacing up to 25% of its total electricity consumption. Combined with other renewable sources, more than 80% of the plant’s energy now comes from clean power.
Since operations began in November 2025, the plant has already delivered 4,560 MWh, avoiding 990 tonnes of CO₂ – equivalent to the carbon absortion of 45,000 mature trees.
A defining focus on safety
As HSE Manager Jon Penagos highlights, moving from medium-scale developments to utility-scale construction required a step change in risk management. That meant continual adaptation of logistics, site layout, workforce movements and on-site organisation.
At Escobales, the entire workforce was trained, equipped and supported by permanent supervision from the EPC contractor, the Owner’s Engineer and the Cubico–Celsia team, helping embed a mature, proactive safety culture across the site.
Valledupar: A Consistent Approach and Industry-Leading Safety
90% complete
At 80 MWp, Valledupar is the second-largest project in the portfolio, with three plants and more than 135,000 bifacial modules on a full tracking system. Valledupar 1 was energised in December, with the remaining units due in early 2026.
Valledupar recently passed one million work hours with zero lost-time incidents, an achievement Jorge attributes to everyday behaviour on site: “People look out for each other. Safety isn’t a separate task, it’s part of how the team works. We’re very proud of the work we’ve achieved here and the fact we’ve been able to do it safely.”
A safety culture that strengthens over time
Jon notes that safety performance has been matched by a commitment to continuously improving the underlying culture, refining processes, enhancing conditions and adapting to new construction phases.
With major steps such as partial energisation in late 2025, both projects have advanced without security incidents, reflecting the discipline and collaboration of all teams involved.
Looking Ahead
Both Escobales and Valledupar are on track for final energisation in Q1 2026. Once fully operational, the projects will:
- Add more than 220 MWp of solar capacity
- Support Colombia’s long-term energy resilience
- Reduce carbon emissions over the life of the assets
- Create ongoing economic opportunities in surrounding communities
- Strengthen Cubico’s contribution to Colombia’s renewable energy goals
These projects highlight what Cubico aims to deliver in every country where it works: high-quality assets, strong partnerships, and meaningful long-term benefits for local communities and the wider energy system.
