solar power

Ecopetrol completed its $157.5 million acquisition of Statkraft’s Colombian solar portfolio (0.6 GW) on November 13, 2025, funded by incremental debt. This acquisition advances Ecopetrol’s “Energy that Transforms” strategy, diversifying its energy mix and boosting low-emission generation. Ecopetrol aims to close the acquisition of three wind project entities (0.7 GW) pending fulfillment of conditions. The company now fully owns the solar entities and is integrating them to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Analysts see this strategic shift as crucial for navigating the evolving energy landscape, though integration challenges and regulatory support remain.

Europe’s rapid solar expansion is paradoxically causing power price crashes and grid instability. Spain’s solar capture rate plummeted to 7% in May 2024 due to overcapacity, forcing operators to curtail generation after April’s grid collapse. Similar trends emerged in France (13% capture rate) and Germany (30%), as falling panel costs spur installations while storage infrastructure lags. The mismatch between daytime surplus and evening shortages triggers price volatility, threatening renewable energy investments and EU climate goals. Analysts warn that addressing these challenges requires redesigning energy markets and upgrading grids to balance variable solar output.