ISA Energía: CO-COST project
From unlocking firm grid capacity to the successful relocation of 15 SmartValve units, the CO-COST project demonstrates how flexible power flow control can continue adapting as transmission needs evolve in northern Colombia.
From congestion relief to a successful SmartValve redeployment
As generation development increased in northern Colombia, ISA TRANSELCA needed a flexible way to manage congestion on existing 220 kV infrastructure. The project has now entered a new phase, with ISA Energía successfully relocating 15 SmartValve units to respond to evolving network requirements.
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.
In 2026, ISA Energía completed the planned relocation of 15 SmartValve units from the 220 kV Santa Marta-Termocol line to the 220 kV Guajira-Termocol line at the Termoguajira substation. The new placement strengthens control of power flows, supports system stability, and helps prepare the network for renewable energy integration in La Guajira.
Selected by national planning
SmartValve was selected after UPME evaluated network options to address congestion on the 220 kV system.
Redeployment completed in 2026
ISA Energía relocated 15 SmartValve units to the Guajira-Termocol line at the Termoguajira substation as part of Colombia’s 2020-2034 Expansion Plan for the Guajira-Cesar-Magdalena circuit.
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 address congestion, improve reliability, and retain value over time through expansion and redeployment.
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.
Proven lifecycle flexibility
The 2026 relocation of 15 units demonstrates how SmartValve can be repositioned as grid needs evolve over time.
Improves reliability and security of supply
Helps manage overloaded lines and maintain reliable service under contingency conditions.
From the original CO-COST deployment to Termoguajira
Project visuals showing the original CO-COST deployment and the relocated SmartValve units at their new location in the Termoguajira substation.
CO-COST project: resolving congestion in La Guajira
Access the original case study to learn how ISA TRANSELCA used SmartValve to unlock firm capacity and improve reliability. The webpage above includes the project’s latest milestone: the completed 2026 relocation to Termoguajira.
