ISA TRANSELCA: CO-COST project
ISA TRANSELCA deployed SmartValve across two circuits in northern Colombia to resolve congestion, improve reliability, and unlock firm capacity for new generation in the La Guajira region.
Resolving congestion to support reliable connections in La Guajira
As generation development increased in northern Colombia, ISA TRANSELCA needed a flexible way to manage congestion on existing 220 kV infrastructure.
The Guajira, Cesar, and Magdalena region in northern Colombia is expected to see a significant increase in renewable energy generation, putting strain on the existing transmission grid.
In 2021, Colombia’s national planning agency, UPME, identified a need to address congestion on 220 kV circuits to support reliable connection of new generation. SmartValve was selected as the preferred technology.
ISA TRANSELCA deployed SmartValves across two circuits to push power off overloaded lines under N-1 conditions, unlocking 300 MW of firm capacity from 2023 onwards. Alternative network options evaluated by UPME were more costly, took longer to install, caused more community disruption, and did not provide the same flexibility to adapt over time.
Selected by national planning
SmartValve was selected after UPME evaluated network options to address congestion on the 220 kV system.
Part of future expansion plans
Additional SmartValve projects are approved in Colombia’s 2020-2034 Transmission Expansion Plan, including relocation to unlock another 500 MW of capacity.
See the project in context
These videos provide more context on how SmartValve supports congestion relief and reliable grid connections in the CO-COST project.
CO-COST project overview
A closer look at how SmartValve supports reliable connection of new generation in La Guajira.
Firm capacity and flexibility from existing transmission assets
The CO-COST project shows how advanced power flow control can help transmission owners address congestion, improve reliability, and adapt as network needs change.
Unlocks 300 MW of firm capacity
Enables reliable connection of new generation by relieving congestion under N-1 conditions.
Delivers cost savings and lower tariffs
Provides a lower-cost alternative to larger, more disruptive network reinforcement options.
Future-proofed flexible solution
Can be adapted, expanded, or relocated as grid needs evolve over time.
Improves reliability and security of supply
Helps manage overloaded lines and maintain reliable service under contingency conditions.
SmartValve deployments in the field
A look at project visuals from ISA TRANSELCA’s CO-COST deployment in Colombia.
CO-COST project: resolving congestion in La Guajira
Access the full case study to learn how ISA TRANSELCA used SmartValve to unlock firm capacity, improve reliability, and support reliable connection of new generation in northern Colombia.
