• The project involved the construction of two electrical distribution lines, each with a capacity of 60 megawatts (MW).
•   Through this intervention, the refinery expands its capacity to receive energy from remote self-generation projects, particularly solar and wind power.
•  This new connection reduces shutdowns caused by electrical failures, lowers gas consumption, and optimizes energy costs, generating savings of approximately US$6 million per year.

Ecopetrol and ISA have successfully completed a strategic electrical infrastructure project that enhances the reliability, efficiency, and operational flexibility of the Barrancabermeja Refinery, one of Colombia’s most important industrial assets.

The project involved the construction of two single-circuit electrical distribution lines, each with a capacity of 60 megawatts (MW) at 34.5 kilovolts (kV). This capacity is equivalent to the monthly electricity consumption of approximately 200,000 Colombian households.

Thanks to this new infrastructure, Ecopetrol will be able to gradually release 6.5 GBTU of natural gas per day to the national market. This volume is comparable to 10% of Colombia’s demand for natural gas used in vehicles, contributing to the country’s energy security and optimizing the use of resources at the Barrancabermeja Refinery.

The electrical infrastructure includes a 1.2-kilometer overhead section and two underground sections measuring 160 meters and 850 meters, respectively, along with their corresponding technical connections.

The new connection enables the Barrancabermeja Refinery to increase its capacity to receive electricity from remote self-generation projects, particularly from solar and wind sources. It also provides the necessary backup and reliability to address contingency scenarios or changes in the operational configuration of industrial services.

The project will generate significant operational, economic, and environmental benefits. These include estimated annual savings of nearly US$6 million, resulting from fewer shutdowns caused by electrical failures, reduced gas consumption, and optimized energy costs for refinery operations.

Specifically, savings of approximately US$2.4 million per year are expected from the reduction of outages related to electrical failures, while an additional US$3.4 million annually will come from operational savings in gas consumption.

From an environmental perspective, the project will help reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 205,000 tons per year, making a meaningful contribution to the Ecopetrol Group’s sustainability and energy transition commitments.

Through this initiative, Ecopetrol and ISA reaffirm their commitment to operational efficiency, environmental sustainability, and the strengthening of a robust and reliable energy infrastructure in support of company operations and the well-being of all Colombians.

Ecopetrol is Colombia’s largest company and one of the leading integrated energy companies in the Americas, with more than 18,000 employees. In Colombia, it accounts for over 60% of hydrocarbon production and manages most of the country’s hydrocarbon transportation, logistics, and refining systems. It also holds leading positions in petrochemicals and gas distribution. Through the acquisition of 51.4% of ISA’s shares, Ecopetrol participates in power transmission, real-time system operations (XM), and the Barranquilla–Cartagena Coastal Highway concession.

Internationally, Ecopetrol operates in strategic basins across the Americas, with exploration and production activities in the United States (Permian Basin and Gulf of Mexico) and Brazil. Through ISA and its subsidiaries, it also holds leading positions in power transmission in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, in road concessions in Chile, and in telecommunications.