Argentine energy company YPF Luz has officially commenced construction on its major new solar project, the El Quemado I photovoltaic park in Mendoza. The company, a subsidiary of YPF, broke ground in late September 2024 on the ambitious project, which is slated to reach a total capacity of 305 MW upon full completion.
The development is structured in two stages, beginning with an initial phase that will install 200 MW of solar capacity. This first phase represents a significant investment estimated between $210 and $230 million. A second phase is planned to add another 105 MW, bringing the park to its full 305 MW potential. The entire facility is scheduled to become operational in the first half of 2026.
Integral to the project’s first phase is the construction of a new 220 KV electrical substation along the Cruz de Piedra-San Juan power line, a critical piece of infrastructure for integrating the new energy into the grid. The construction process, expected to last approximately 18 months, will be a major source of local employment, creating over 350 jobs at its peak.
Mendoza’s Governor, Alfredo Cornejo, highlighted the project’s importance for the region’s energy strategy. “The El Quemado project is part of 700 MW of power with which Mendoza will grow in renewable energy generation in the next two years, with private investment based on the planning and projects developed by Emesa and the government of Mendoza,” he stated. “This is the most complete example that Mendoza has an energy plan that is organized towards the transition.”
Originally developed by Emesa in four 100 MW stages, the project was acquired by YPF Luz in 2023. Martín Mandarano, Executive Director of YPF Luz, confirmed the company is actively advancing the project’s second phase.
The El Quemado I Solar Park will significantly expand YPF Luz’s renewable energy footprint, pushing its total installed capacity to 915 MW. The company currently has 497 MW in operation and another 418 MW under construction, including the 155 MW General Levalle wind park in Córdoba and the 63 MW Casa wind park in Buenos Aires Province. This project marks a substantial contribution to Argentina’s solar growth, which saw its cumulative installed capacity reach 1,366 MW by the end of 2023.
Sources
- YPF Luz Launches First Phase of 305 MW El Quemado Solar Park …
- report 2024 – YPF Luz
- Argentina’s YPF Luz preparing to break ground on 2nd solar park …
- YPF Luz starts construction works of 305 MW solar park in Argentina
- Argentina begins 200 MW photovoltaic project – Evwind
- In brief: Argentina’s YPF Luz to build new solar park – Latin News
- YPF Luz to begin working on 305 MW of solar in Argentina
- Argentina’s YPF Luz begins 100 MW output at El Quemado solar park
- Argentina’s YPF Luz Begins 100 MW Output At El Quemado Solar Park
