GALTCO’s upcoming plant in Tolú to propel Colombia as a leader in green aluminium production

GALTCO a next-generation, world-class green aluminium production and industrial complex in Colombia is planning to set up a plant in Tolú, Sucre for the production of low-carbon aluminium. The project valued at USD 1.2 billion is expected to generate over 350,000 tonnes of low-carbon aluminium annually from the Gulf of Morrosquillo, positioning Colombia as a leader in green aluminium production with sustainable practices.

Image Source - GALTCO (Andrés Rojas)

Signing of MoU

On Wednesday, January 29, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the GALTCO Colombia Project was signed, marking a significant milestone for the country's aluminium industry. Both private and public signatories believe this transformative initiative will establish Colombia as a leader in green aluminium production, adhering to sustainable and advanced industrial standards. The project is valued at USD 1.2 billion.

Carmen Caballero, president of ProColombia, stated that "the signing of this Memorandum represents a significant advance in Colombia's industrial sustainability. This project will strengthen the vision of the country of beauty as a global leader in sustainable aluminium production, promoting economic development with environmental and social responsibility. Our commitment is to continue promoting and connecting efforts between sectors to achieve real transformations."

The event was attended by:

• Carmen Caballero Villa, president of ProColombia
• Lucy García Montes, governor of Sucre
• Wilmer Pérez, mayor of Tolú
• Carlos Santiago, general director of GALTCO
• Jean-François Lebrun, legal representative of EDF
• Andres Rojas Gil, Country manager
• Commission of Electricity (CREG) and other key actors from the public and private sectors

Sucre - epicentre of the new green economy in Colombia

The department of Sucre is positioned as the core of the operation thanks to its strategic geolocation and extended sunlight hours, which enhance the efficiency of solar farms and optimise the supply of clean energy for green aluminium production.

Andrés Rojas, GALTCO Project Director for Colombia, added, “The Gulf of Morrosquillo was chosen due to its strategic location that responds to exceptional conditions. We have access to the port, solid electrical connectivity thanks to the Chinú substation and excellent solar potential . In addition, the proximity to ECOPETROL's industrial facility in Coveñas provides us with key synergies and additional logistical advantages that strengthen the development of the project."

This project is a powerful example of how public-private collaboration can drive regional transformation, boost competitiveness, and ensure sustainable development that honours both the environment and communities. It will revolutionise the aluminium industry and position Colombia as a leader in the energy transition across Latin America.

Carlos Santiago, CEO of the project, commented, " More than 350 thousand tons of green aluminium will be produced per year from the Gulf of Morrosquillo, in Tolú. Positioning Colombia as one of the main global producers of aluminium under advanced sustainability standards."

Hybrid configuration of solar farms

The GALTCO Project will not only drive green aluminium production but also establish a sustainable industrial model with one of the lowest carbon footprints globally. The plant will incorporate the country's largest solar photovoltaic power facility alongside a cutting-edge gas-fired power generation plant, developed in collaboration with EDF, ensuring a clean and efficient energy supply.

The project is finalising a hybrid configuration of solar farms integrated with the national grid, based on an electrical model Electricité de France (EDF) developed. The government has committed to introducing electro-intensive regulations for industries in the coming months. Currently, the project is in the final stages of the bankable feasibility study and detailed engineering phase (FEL03), with operations expected to commence in 2029.

Lucy García, Governor of Sucre, said, "GALTCO is the opportunity for Sucre to lead the sustainable reindustrialisation of Colombia , prioritising social well-being and respect for the planet. With the installation of this plant in the Gulf of Morrosquillo, we will be a model of social justice."

The plant will operate with 27 per cent renewable energy sourced from solar farms and clean technologies, significantly cutting carbon emissions and strengthening Colombia's position as a regional leader in sustainability and energy transition. This green aluminium plant is one of Colombia's most ambitious industrial and energy projects. With an investment exceeding 2.5 billion dollars, the initiative will firmly establish Sucre and Colombia as leaders in the global industry.

Key highlight of the GALTCO project

GALTCO will create over 15,000 direct and indirect jobs throughout the construction and operation phases, with a strong focus on hiring local talent from Sucre and the Caribbean region. A key highlight of the GALTCO project is its dedication to developing local talent, reinforcing its commitment to the social and economic growth of Sucre. To support this, the project will implement training and professional development programs, empowering Sucre residents to take leadership roles in this industrial transformation.

This approach fosters social inclusion, promotes decent employment, and strengthens environmental and social justice in the region. It also aligns with the National Development Plan "Colombia, World Power of Life," encouraging the participation of local communities and ensuring that most jobs are filled by talent from Sucre. This strategy creates tangible opportunities for the economic and social advancement of the region.

The GALTCO project is distinguished by its strong focus on social responsibility and economic development. With a comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility program and a Social and Economic Impact Study, GALTCO aims to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability and social well-being. The plant will utilise an optimised energy mix, reducing its carbon footprint to just 5 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of aluminium produced, positioning it as one of the cleanest aluminium plants in the world.

Image Source - GALTCO