Colombia grants environmental clearance to the Toluviejo solar project
This ANLA press release was originally published in Spanish.
The National Environmental Licensing Authority (ANLA) granted an environmental license to the Solar Project Toluviejo, after completing a comprehensive technical evaluation process that made it possible to establish its environmental viability and the adoption of measures aimed at preventing, mitigating and controlling impacts on the territory.
“Our work does not stop. From ANLA we continue delivering for the country with technical and rigorous decisions that allow progress in a Fair and ecological Energy Transition, ensuring that energy projects are developed with criteria of sustainability and respect for the territories and their communities,” said Irene Vélez Torres, director general of ANLA.
The project will be developed in the rural area of the municipal seat of Toluviejo, in the department of Sucre, and will have a maximum installed capacity of 168.96 MW, which will contribute to the diversification of the national energy matrix within the framework of the Just and ecological Energy Transition.
The project includes, in particular, the installation of 360,504 photovoltaic modules, the construction of a 33.57km perimeter fence, cable trenches totaling 14.59km, horizontal directional drilling, drainage systems, a protection dike, new access roads and the adaptation of existing roads, as well as six works associated with watercourse occupation.
The environmental assessment was carried out by an interdisciplinary technical team made up of professionals specialized in hydrology, soils, flora, fauna, landscape, functional connectivity, risks, economic valuation, and environmental compensation, which ensures a comprehensive analysis in line with the particular characteristics of the territory. This analysis made it possible to identify the project’s impacts and define the corresponding management, monitoring, and control measures.
During the licensing process, the implementation of measures for the proper management of water resources, the disposal of domestic wastewater through authorized providers, comprehensive waste management, the required forest utilization, and the acquisition of materials by third parties with valid environmental permits was verified.
With this decision, the ANLA reaffirms its commitment to the development of clean energy generation projects, ensuring rigorous technical environmental assessments and promoting an energy transition that is responsible, sustainable, and coordinated with the territories.