Frontera Energy and Ecopetrol inaugurate the SAARA water treatment plant, a milestone for the circular economy in Colombia

• The Water Utilization System for Agricultural Reuse - SAARA, treats the production water from the Quifa field, in Puerto Gaitán, Meta.
• The treated water is used for irrigating an oil palm crop of more than 3,000 hectares for biodiesel generation.

Frontera Energy and Ecopetrol join forces to promote the circular economy and expand the positive and sustainable impact of their operations. Today, SAARA is officially inaugurated, an innovative plant developed in conjunction with Ecopetrol, based 100% on the circular economy model for the utilization and reuse of production water.

SAARA reinforces the environmental commitment of Frontera and Ecopetrol within the framework of the Quifa Association Contract. This initiative provides a sustainable and efficient solution for the disposal of production water that allows for increased crude volumes.

This project integrates two major initiatives: an advanced infrastructure for water treatment and an agricultural project that allows for the reuse of this valuable water resource. The plant receives production water from the Quifa field and processes it through a filtration and treatment system called «reverse osmosis.» This process removes salts and other components from the water, bringing it to physicochemical characteristics suitable for agro-industrial irrigation, complying with all environmental regulations and standards.

The treated water is transported from the plant to lands where approximately 3,000 hectares of oil palm are cultivated. In addition to reusing large amounts of water, the project generates positive impacts and enhances the development of other activities complementary to circularity. Employability in Puerto Gaitán has been strengthened with personnel working at the plant and in the plantations, and support is provided to the hotel and goods and services sector in the Puerto Triunfo area.

In its pilot phase, the plant processed a maximum of 185,000 barrels of water per day. The goal is to reach a processing capacity of 250,000 barrels.

“This project reaffirms Frontera's commitment to the sustainable development of the regions where it operates, as it increases competitiveness, stimulates innovation, and drives economic growth, contributing to a more prosperous future for all,” said Orlando Cabrales Segovia, CEO of Frontera Energy.

For his part, Ricardo Roa, president of Ecopetrol, stated: “The initiative is an example of Ecopetrol and Frontera's commitment to the energy transition and their purpose of operating under the principles of environmental sustainability. This new alternative offered by SAARA reinforces the vision of having clean, safe operations in harmony with the standards required by environmental authorities, consolidating responsible management in line with global challenges.”