Planeta Rica
Planeta Rica, Akuo’s very first solar plant in Colombia
The Planeta Rica solar park is currently under construction in the department of Córdoba, in Colombia. Once completed, it will have an installed capacity of 26.55 MWp. This solar plant will contribute to the diversification of the country’s electricity generation mix, which is today greatly reliant on hydroelectricity and therefore particularly vulnerable to climate change, as well as fossil fuels. The project benefits from a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Celsia, a Grupo Argos company (rated AAA by FitchRatings). Akuo and MPCES are the project’s equity partners, while bank financing is provided by Bancolombia.
CSR
Planeta Rica is an example of an impactful project, with benefits not only in terms of energy, but also for the environment and the local population.
Environmental commitment
The project was developed with a design and construction that respect the local wildlife, by creating a special access to allow endemic species to cross the site. And the initiative is a success, because animals already use this route. Environmental monitoring to track populations of species will be performed throughout the plant’s life cycle.
Local communities
During the construction, more than 200 local jobs have been created for residents living near the site, particularly from the communities in La Fortuna and Loma Azul. A substantial part (80%) of these workers were unskilled and have received training. This training for the local population is a long-term initiative and will continue after the commissioning of the plant.
Focus on women
The project has also focused on the inclusion of women. During the recruitment process, great emphasis was placed on hiring female profiles to foster gender parity. These women have been a major asset for the project, through their commitment and their knowledge of the region, thus bringing together complementary skills.
