Organización Terpel has agreed to acquire 100 percent of the 26.4 MWp Pétalo del Norte de Santander I solar plant in northern Colombia from Climate Fund Managers and Colombian developer Erco Energía, subject to regulatory approvals.

Located in La Esperanza, Norte de Santander, the project began dispatching electricity in August 2025 and generates more than 45 GWh of renewable power annually. That output serves approximately 32,600 people while avoiding an estimated 13,276 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year.

For Colombia’s energy transition, the transaction reflects a structural shift: domestic distribution and retail players are expanding into generation, while international climate funds are beginning to demonstrate credible exit pathways in markets once perceived as high risk.

Asset Performance and Climate Metrics

Pétalo del Norte de Santander I was developed jointly by Erco Energía and Climate Fund Managers, which invested approximately $18 million through its EU-supported Climate Investor One fund.

The sale marks Climate Fund Managers’ first exit in Latin America. For institutional investors tracking blended finance strategies, this provides an important proof point that disciplined development, compliance with international standards and operational delivery can translate into realizable value in emerging markets.

The project also carries measurable social indicators. Construction generated 270 jobs, with 64 percent filled by local workers and women representing 30 percent of the workforce. Around $125,000 was allocated to community development initiatives, benefiting an estimated 2,400 people in surrounding areas. The asset was structured to comply fully with IFC guidelines, reinforcing governance standards relevant to development finance institutions and global co-investors.

Juan Paez, Head of Latin America at Climate Fund Managers, emphasized that the firm remains active in the region and will continue investing in Project Pradera, even as it rotates capital out of the operational Pétalo asset.

Read more: LEGO Increases Carbon Removal Investment to $7.9 Million, Expanding Nature and Engineered Solutions Portfolio

Strategic Positioning for Terpel

For Organización Terpel, traditionally known as a fuel distribution and retail company, the acquisition supports a broader strategic repositioning. Full ownership of a grid-connected solar facility strengthens its exposure to Colombia’s renewable generation buildout and provides a hedge against long-term transition risks associated with fossil fuel retail.

Colombia’s policy framework has encouraged diversification of the generation mix, with solar and wind capacity expanding under auction mechanisms and regulatory reforms. As domestic corporates integrate renewable assets into their portfolios, the boundary between energy distributors and power producers continues to narrow.

Explore OneStop ESG Marketplace: Solar energy

Signals for Investors and Executives

The transaction offers several clear signals for C-suite leaders and infrastructure investors.

First, exit routes in Latin American renewables are becoming more credible, particularly where projects adhere to international environmental and social standards. Second, strategic corporate buyers are emerging as long-term owners, reducing reliance on purely financial sponsors. Third, community impact and governance metrics are increasingly embedded in asset valuation rather than treated as ancillary reporting.

As capital continues to rotate from development to operational ownership, Colombia’s renewable market is entering a phase defined by scale, regulatory compliance and local alignment. Pétalo del Norte de Santander I illustrates how blended finance, policy support and corporate transition strategies can converge in a single asset lifecycle.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more insights, case studies, and ESG intelligence.

Explore ESG Solutions on our marketplace - OneStop ESG Marketplace.

Keep abreast of the top ESG Events on OneStop ESG Events.

OneStop ESG Educate: Your go-to source for top ESG courses and training programs tailored to your needs.

Stay informed with the latest insights on OneStop ESG News.

Discover meaningful career opportunities on OneStop ESG Jobs.