Argentina’s solar capacity has reached 1,975 MW, positioning it as a leader in Latin American solar energy. This growth is driven by a combination of public policies, private investments, and a focus on both large-scale and distributed generation projects.
Argentina solar capacity milestones and achievements
Argentina’s solar energy capacity has reached 1,975 MW, positioning the country as a leader in solar power in Latin America. This growth is driven by various public policies and private investments, highlighting the potential for further development in the coming years. For more details, you can read about Argentina’s solar capacity reaching a stunning milestone.
One of the key milestones in Argentina’s solar energy journey was the inauguration of the Cauchari Solar Park in 2019. Located in the province of Jujuy, the park has a capacity of 300 MW and has become a symbol of the country’s commitment to renewable energy. The park was built at an altitude of 4,200 meters, making it the highest solar park in the world.
The Cauchari Solar Park was financed with a loan from China, a key partner in Argentina’s solar energy development. The park is operated by Jujuy Energía y Minería Sociedad del Estado (JEMSE), a state-owned company. The project’s success has encouraged other provinces to invest in solar energy, with projects like the Luján de Cuyo Solar Park in Mendoza (22 MW) and the Ullum Solar Park in San Juan (82 MW).
Distributed generation and Argentina solar capacity growth
In addition to large-scale projects, distributed generation has also played a significant role in Argentina’s solar energy growth. The Distributed Renewable Energy Generation Law (Law 27,424), passed in 2017, allows individuals and businesses to generate their own renewable energy and sell excess energy back to the grid.
This law has led to a significant increase in the number of distributed generation projects across the country. As of 2023, there are more than 2,000 distributed generation projects, with a total capacity of 22 MW. These projects are mainly installed on rooftops, in industrial parks, and in remote areas where access to the national grid is limited.
Large companies have also embraced distributed generation as part of their sustainability strategies. For example, the technology company Globant has installed solar panels on the roofs of its buildings in Buenos Aires, Rosario, and Córdoba. These installations generate approximately 1.5 MW of energy, reducing the company’s carbon footprint and promoting the use of renewable energy.
Future outlook for Argentina solar capacity expansion
Despite the progress made in recent years, Argentina still faces significant challenges in expanding its solar energy capacity. The country’s energy matrix is still heavily dependent on fossil fuels, which accounted for 64% of electricity generation in 2022. However, the government has set ambitious targets for renewable energy, aiming for 20% of the energy matrix to come from renewables by 2025.
To achieve this goal, the government has launched several initiatives, including the RenovAr program, which aims to attract $5 billion in investments and add 3,000 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2025. Other programs, such as the National Distributed Renewable Energy Generation Plan, seek to promote the installation of 1 million solar panels in homes and businesses by 2030.
Solar energy is also expected to play a key role in the decarbonization of Argentina’s transport sector. The government has set a target of having 30% of new vehicles sold in the country be electric by 2030, and solar energy will be essential to power these vehicles. For further insights into the challenges and opportunities in renewable energy, this report provides valuable information.
Economic and environmental impact of Argentina solar capacity
The expansion of solar energy in Argentina not only contributes to the country’s energy security but also brings significant economic and environmental benefits. The solar energy sector has created more than 10,000 jobs in the last five years, and the installation of solar panels in homes and businesses has led to savings of up to 50% on electricity bills.
In environmental terms, solar energy has helped reduce Argentina’s carbon footprint significantly. The use of solar energy has prevented the emission of more than 5 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, equivalent to taking 1 million cars off the road for a year.
Argentina’s growing solar energy capacity demonstrates the country’s potential to become a regional leader in renewable energy. With continued investment and government support, solar energy can play a key role in achieving the country’s energy and environmental goals.
