Econova Antioquia, Ecopetrol’s new electrical energy innovation center

He Ecopetrol Group inaugurated Econova Antioquiaits new innovation center focused on the development of electric energy projects, which is located in the Ecovillage of the Campus of the Pontifical Bolivarian University (UPB), in the city of Medellín.

This center has a network of laboratories and facilities to develop prototypes and systems that will contribute to strengthening the electrical industry, integrating emerging technologies into the value chain, improving existing infrastructure and promoting greater knowledge of the electrical sector.

“We continue to encourage innovation, and on this occasion, with the generation of initiatives that contribute to the electricity sector. This is how we make available to innovators, academics, representatives of unions, companies and in general the entire CT+I ecosystem, a new space to find solutions to the energy transition.” he explained Luis Felipe Rivera, vice president of Science, Technology and Innovation of Ecopetrol.

The operation of Econova Antioquia will be in charge of Cidet ,institution that has been recognized by the Ministry of Sciences and Technology, as a center of innovation and productivity, and has articulated science, technology and innovation activities in the electrical sector for more than 25 years.

“It is an honor and at the same time a great responsibility to assume, with professionalism and commitment, the operation of the fifth Econova innovation center, now powered by electricity, which fits perfectly with our reason for being and existing, which is to have a better country through people’s relationship with electricity. Thanks to Ecopetrol for recognizing the natural entity in Cidet to help meet the objectives of this initiative and allowing us to set an example“he explained Carlos Ariel Naranjo Valencia, executive director of Cidet.

“This alliance is an example of the strategic relationship between the university, the company and the State. The human and technical resources that inhabit this space are worthy representatives and defenders of sustainability, scientific and academic quality, and the gateway to international alliances. This house is a place to be together and grow with the best energy”explained the father Diego Marulanda, general rector of the Pontifical Bolivarian University.

The one in Antioquia is the fifth center specialized in innovation in the Econova networkthe other four are located in: Bogota (technologies of the fifth industrial revolution), Santander (decarbonization), Goal (SusTECnibility and biodiversity) and Caribbean (energy transition and hydrogen).

Innovation

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Projects in development

– National laboratory of the electrical sector: It is a complex of laboratories where key technologies are evaluated, certified, and innovation and leadership in the electrical sector in Latin America is promoted.

– Testing technologies for regulatory innovation: will select and test more than 10 mature digital technologies for piloting at Ecopetrol Group facilities, focusing on operational efficiency, that is, reduction of costs, time and generation of benefits.

– Human Talent Prospective: will build a comprehensive roadmap and identify the amount of talent required at the national level in the electricity and energy sector within the framework of the energy transition to 2030 and 2040.

– National Laboratory of Energy Communities: space to integrate all innovation experiences, good practices in solutions that promote decentralized, participatory and sustainable energy models at the community level.

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