French company EDF power solutions, in partnership with Colombian firm Refocosta, has commissioned the Villanueva wood biomass power plant in central Colombia. With an installed capacity of 30 megawatts, it is the country’s largest biomass facility powered entirely by locally sourced eucalyptus wood.
A targeted production capacity for the Colombian grid
The plant is designed to generate more than 200 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to supply approximately 60,000 Colombian households. This output is fully injected into the national electricity grid, with a clear focus on dispatchable availability. The biomass fuel comes from dedicated plantations, allowing streamlined logistics and planned sourcing.
Local integration within the value chain
The project mobilised a significant share of the local workforce during the construction phase, with up to 90% of unskilled labour recruited on-site. During the operational phase, half of all jobs are locally staffed. Around 40 permanent jobs have been created for the cultivation and transport of eucalyptus. EDF power solutions also implemented a training programme focused on industrial trades relevant to the site.
Wider renewable project portfolio under development
Present in Colombia since 2020, EDF power solutions is currently developing a renewable energy portfolio of around 2 gigawatts in the country, including hydroelectric, solar, wind and biomass projects. The Villanueva plant, operating under the name Refoenergy Villanueva, is the first asset to enter into service under this portfolio.
Implications for local stakeholders
The project follows an integrated energy production model with a supply chain entirely based within the country. The joint venture partners also implemented a water infrastructure initiative called “Cosecha de Agua”, aimed at collecting and storing water during the rainy season for agricultural use during dry periods. The reservoirs contribute to regulating access to water in a region with high climatic variability.
