High above us, the Chimenea Ecopetrol stands as a beacon. It symbolizes progress and innovation in Cartagena. Have you ever wondered about the story behind this towering structure?
The Chimenea Ecopetrol is part of the Refinería de Cartagena SAS. It’s often called Reficar. This refinery is a vital facility located in the Mamonal Industrial Zone. That is south of Cartagena, on Colombia’s northern coast.
Reficar plays a significant role in Colombia’s energy sector. It refines 210,000 barrels of oil per day. The refinery has also undertaken several projects to improve its environmental performance. These projects align with Ecopetrol’s goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
One notable achievement is the construction of Latin America’s first solar farm inside a refinery. This solar farm spans almost 20 hectares. It features over 40,000 panels. The solar farm generates 22.1 MW of electricity. That delivers 34.4 million kilowatt-hours per year. Reficar estimates that the solar farm reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 21,000 tons annually.
In 2023, Reficar started a water neutrality project. The project explores reusing wastewater. It also considers seawater desalination and improved cooling systems. The refinery also installed pilot plants to explore carbon capture and utilization.
Additionally, Reficar is testing the production of sustainable aviation fuel. This uses a mix of palm and used cooking oils. The goal is to achieve sustained output of SAF from Cartagena in 2028. Another project involves processing post-consumer plastic in the refinery’s delayed coker.
Between 2018 and 2023, Reficar implemented energy efficiency improvements. These efforts reduced the site’s CO2 emissions by 274,000 tons per year. The Chimenea Ecopetrol is not just a structure. It represents Ecopetrol’s commitment to environmental sustainability. It also stands for technological advancement.
In early 2025, Reficar experienced an electrical fault. The fault caused a temporary shutdown of the processing units. However, Ecopetrol quickly addressed the issue. They initiated a plan to mitigate risks affecting the refinery’s electrical supply. Reficar also maintained sufficient fuel inventories. This ensured continued supply to the Caribbean region and the rest of Colombia.
As you stand here, take a moment to appreciate the scale of operations. Consider the efforts to balance energy production with environmental responsibility. The Chimenea Ecopetrol symbolizes both the challenges and the opportunities. These shape Colombia’s energy future. It embodies the spirit of innovation. It shows dedication to a sustainable future.