Designed and built in the 1960s, Central Guatapé is owned by our client Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM) and boasts a generating capacity of 560 MW, courtesy of eight Pelton turbines, which deliver 70 MW each. It’s a significant asset in Colombia’s power-generation facilities.

Fire breaks out at the plant

A state of emergency was declared at the plant in February 2016 when technical failures caused fire to rip through the powerhouse (situated 400m underground) causing critical damage to the four oil-filled power cable circuits that convey generated power from the plant to the outside world.

We understood the severity of situation and were on-hand to help EPM, resolve the issue as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Acting quickly to minimise the impact

Finding four circuits-worth of 230 kV cable in a hurry is no simple task, but thanks to our extensive book of clients we quickly identified state-owned Mexican utility company, CFE.

CFE generously agreed, bringing closer the possibility of a swift resolution to the crisis.

Replacement cables were ordered immediately to ensure CFE were not adversely affected by the loan and their operations could still go ahead as planned.