The wait is finally almost over for Colombia’s most ambitious infrastructure project. After years of uncertainty, technical challenges, and immense engineering efforts, the finish line is officially in sight for the Hidroituango hydroelectric power plant.
The massive dam, located deep in the Cauca River canyon, has been a topic of national conversation for over a decade. Now, the project is entering its final sprint toward full operation.
According to recent updates, the colossal structure is over 93% complete. The project managers have set a firm date for when the powerhouse will roar at full capacity.
By early 2028, all eight turbines will be spinning. This marks a pivotal moment for the country’s energy security and infrastructure development.
An Engineering Marvel in the Canyon
To understand the scale of this project, you have to look at the numbers. They are simply staggering. The dam stands 225 meters tall, taller than the Coltejer building in Medellin.
It creates a reservoir that stretches for nearly 80 kilometers. This massive body of water holds roughly 2,720 million cubic meters of liquid fuel for the turbines.
Hidden deep underground is the heart of the beast: the machine house. This cavern is huge, measuring 240 meters long and 49 meters high.
Inside this mountain, eight Francis-type turbines will eventually work in unison. Each one is capable of generating 300 megawatts of power.
When combined, they will output 2,400 megawatts. That is enough energy to supply 17% of Colombia’s total demand, changing the national grid forever.
The Road to the Finish Line
The timeline for the remaining work is precise. Currently, the first four turbines are already operational, generating 1,200 megawatts for the national system.
The focus has now shifted to the south wing of the cavern. This area will house units 5, 6, 7, and 8.
A consortium formed by the Chinese firm Yellow River and the Colombian company Schrader Camargo is leading this final phase. They won the contract in late 2023.
Their mission is clear but challenging. They must install the massive electromechanical equipment required to bring the second half of the plant to life.
According to the schedule, units 5, 6, and 7 will come online in the second half of 2027. The final unit, number 8, will follow in the first quarter of 2028.
This steady rollout ensures that the grid can gradually absorb the new power. It also allows engineers to test each unit rigorously before full commercial operation.
Rising from the Mud and Debris
Reaching this point was not easy. In 2018, a tunnel collapse caused a near-catastrophy that forced engineers to flood the machine house to save the dam.
That decision saved lives but left the south wing buried under mud and debris. For years, the state of this section was a major concern.
However, recent reports confirm a massive success. Crews have reached “point zero,” meaning the area is clean, the rock is stabilized, and concrete is ready to be poured.
The recovery involved removing thousands of tons of sediment. Workers also had to reinject concrete into the rock face to ensure it could withstand the vibrations of the turbines.
Now, the “scars” of the 2018 emergency are healing. The cavern is prepared to house the cutting-edge technology that will power millions of homes.
A Multibillion-Dollar Investment
The cost of such a mega-project is enormouschines. Estimates place the total investment around US$5.5 billion.
The final contract alone, just for finishing the last four turbines, involves an investment of approximately US$263 million.
Critics and supporters alike agree on one thing: the economic impact is undeniable. The project has generated thousands of jobs in the region.
It also promises to lower energy prices in the long term by increasing supply. For a growing economy like Colombia, this reliable power source is gold.
Hidroituango proves that resilience can overcome even the hardest obstacles. What once looked like a tragedy is transforming into a triumph of engineering. In just three years, the Cauca River’s power will be fully harnessed, securing Colombia’s energy future for decades to come.