Argentine energy company YPF Luz is set to begin building the El Quemado I solar park, a 305 MW project in Mendoza. This first phase, which will deliver 200 MW, requires an estimated investment of $230 million, according to the provincial government.
YPF Luz to Construct $230M El Quemado I Solar Park in Mendoza
“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,” said Governor Alfredo Cornejo. “This is the most complete example that Mendoza has an energy plan that is organized towards the transition, with the use of current resources, growth in infrastructure, promotion of mining and injection of renewable energies.”
El Quemado Solar Park to Feature 200 MW Capacity and New Substation
With an installed capacity of 200 MW, the first phase of the El Quemado solar park will also include a new 220 KV electrical substation along the Cruz de Piedra-San Juan line. Construction is expected to last 18 months.
El Quemado solar park
YPF Luz Executive Director Martín Mandarano added that the company is advancing the project’s second phase, which could bring the solar park’s total capacity to 305 MW. The full project is scheduled to become operational in the first half of 2026 and will employ over 350 workers at its construction peak.
Initially developed by Emesa in four 100 MW phases, the project was acquired by YPF Luz in 2023.
El Quemado I to Boost YPF Luz’s Capacity Amid Argentina’s Solar Growth
The El Quemado I Solar Park will boost YPF Luz’s total installed renewable capacity to 915 MW. The company currently has 497 MW in operation and another 418 MW under construction, a portfolio that includes the new 200 MW facility, the 155 MW General Levalle wind park in Córdoba, and the 63 MW Casa wind park in Olavarría, Buenos Aires Province.
As of December 2023, Argentina’s cumulative installed solar capacity reached 1,366 MW, with about 262 MW added that year. For comparison, only 33 MW of new PV capacity was installed in 2022, while approximately 300 MW came online in 2021.
