Strategically located near key transmission infrastructure, Shangri-La adds reliable renewable capacity to Colombia’s grid at a time when diversifying energy sources is a national priority. It aligns with broader decarbonization targets while strengthening local energy security.
According to Colombia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy, the project’s delivery showcases how coordinated investment and joint public-private execution can accelerate energy transition goals. For Atlas, it also reflects the commercial potential of partnering with national players to scale clean energy infrastructure efficiently.
Beyond technical output, Shangri-La stands out for its investment in local workforce development and community engagement. Over 65% of the plant’s construction-phase labor came from the surrounding Tolima region, with 22% of workers in these roles being women — a notable figure in an industry that continues to grapple with gender disparities in field operations.
This inclusion was driven by Atlas' “We are part of the same energy” program, designed to equip local residents with the skills needed to participate in the renewable sector. The initiative goes beyond employment, providing education and social support infrastructure in nearby communities.
Rather than treating these efforts as peripheral, Atlas frames community integration as fundamental to long-term project success. This approach helps set a precedent for what sustainable development can look like in Colombia’s growing energy sector.
The project also kicks off a broader partnership between Atlas and Colombian energy company ISAGEN. Together, they plan to develop up to 1,000 MW of new solar capacity, indicating that Shangri-La is only the beginning of a larger buildout aimed at accelerating access to low-emissions electricity.
