In the north of Mendoza, the semi-desert landscape begins to fill with structures that will transform the way energy is produced in Argentina. There, in Las Heras, the El Quemado solar park rises, a strategic bet by YPF Luz that has already reached 57% completion in its construction.
With an investment of 230 million dollars, this venture includes the installation of 510,000 solar panels, each one of 700 W. In total, the park will have the capacity to generate 305 MW, enough energy to supply about 230,000 households.
The panels are designed to follow the sun’s movement during the day, optimizing solar capture. Through weather stations connected to the system, the structures adapt to weather conditions, protecting themselves against wind, hail, or snow.
The infrastructure includes transformers and inverters that convert solar energy into electricity suitable for injection into the distribution network. The staggered system will allow sending energy to the Distrocuyo network, reaching areas such as Mendoza, San Juan, and other provinces.
## A milestone in national energy transition
El Quemado will not only be the largest solar park in Argentina by its completion in 2026, but also a symbol of the energy paradigm shift. The province of Mendoza seeks to regain energy protagonism with a model based on renewable sources and low environmental impact.
The project’s progress is significant: more than 55,000 mounting structures are in place, a large part of the perimeter fence has been completed, and 15 kilometers of internal roads have been built. This facilitates the movement of machinery and technical personnel on the extensive site.
Additionally, 700 solar trackers, 150 inverters, and 40 transformation centers have already been installed. These works will allow a stable connection to the grid and ensure the efficient operation of the entire operation during its estimated lifespan of 20 to 25 years.
One of the priorities for the future will be to expand the high-voltage grid’s capacity since it currently could not support more energy without complementary works. With the support of compensatory funds, the provincial government plans to strengthen the electric transportation infrastructure.
## The boost of solar parks in Argentina
Solar energy has been gaining ground in different regions of the country. Provinces like San Juan, Catamarca, Jujuy, and La Rioja already have operational parks, taking advantage of high levels of solar radiation. The common goal is to diversify the national energy matrix.
The progress of these projects responds to the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and meet international environmental commitments. The National Law of Renewable Energies sets a goal of covering at least 20% of electrical consumption with clean sources by 2025.
In addition to their positive environmental impact, solar parks generate employment, develop local suppliers, and promote technological innovation. Their construction requires intensive labor, while their operation demands specialized technicians and digital monitoring systems.
With each new park, Argentina reinforces its path towards a more balanced, resilient, and sustainable energy matrix, marked by El Quemado as a milestone due to its scale, planning, and public-private articulation.
## A future with more clean energy
The construction of El Quemado demonstrates that renewable energies are not a distant promise but an expanding reality. From the use of solar tracking technology to integration with smart grids, the project represents a qualitative leap.
With its completion scheduled for March or April 2026, the park will become a national reference. In a context of global climate crisis, these types of projects set the direction the country needs: more energy, fewer emissions, and sustainable development.
