EPM: Aburrá Valley projects
EPM used SmartValve to relieve congestion in Colombia’s Aburrá Valley region, unlocking 400 MW of firm capacity to support distributed generation and demand growth.
Unlocking capacity in Colombia’s Aburrá Valley region
Delays in critical transmission infrastructure were putting pressure on the grid, creating bottlenecks and increasing the risk of potential load shedding.
In Colombia’s Aburrá Valley region, transmission owner EPM identified high grid congestion across three transmission lines that would limit the output of distributed hydro in future years.
EPM evaluated several network options to solve this congestion, including reconductoring the transmission corridor with HTLS conductors, before determining that advanced power flow control using SmartValve at two substations would be the optimal solution.
The deployment quickly and cost-effectively unlocked 400 MW of firm capacity to support increased output from distributed hydro and solar generation, while reducing disruption to local communities and the environment.
Targeted congestion relief
SmartValve helped redirect power flows across constrained transmission lines to increase usable capacity on the existing grid.
Support for future growth
The project helped increase capacity to support distributed hydro, solar generation, and demand growth in the region.
See the project in context
This video provides additional context on the Aburrá Valley project and how SmartValve supports power flow control on constrained transmission networks.
EPM Aburrá Valley project overview
A closer look at how SmartValve helped address congestion and unlock capacity in Colombia.
Related announcement
Read the project completion announcement about unlocking 400 MW of grid capacity in Colombia.
More firm capacity from the existing grid
The Aburrá Valley projects show how advanced power flow control can help transmission owners address congestion, support generation output, and reduce the need for more disruptive infrastructure options.
Unlocks 400 MW of firm capacity
Increases usable transmission capacity by redirecting power flows away from constrained lines.
Supports cost savings and lower tariffs
Provides a targeted alternative to more costly or disruptive network upgrade options.
Improves access to cleaner electricity
Helps reduce constraints that could limit distributed hydro and solar generation output.
Flexible and scalable solution
Allows transmission owners to address constraints in targeted locations and adapt as system needs change.
SmartValve deployment in the field
A look at SmartValve equipment and project visuals from the EPM Aburrá Valley deployment in Colombia.
Aburrá Valley projects: unlocking capacity to support distributed generation and demand growth
Access the full case study to learn how EPM used SmartValve to relieve congestion, unlock 400 MW of firm capacity, and support future grid needs in Colombia.
