The most ambitious solar park in Mendoza is now a reality: this week the commissioning of “El Quemado” was carried out, developed by YPF Luz in conjunction with Emesa.
The project, located in the department of Las Heras, completed its energization this week with 29 days in advance of the contractual deadline.
Thus, the investment of u$s 220 million sets a precedent in the Argentine energy sector.
This project thus becomes the first renewable energy investment in the country presented and executed under the Incentive Regime for Large Investments (RIGI).
Located 13 kilometers from Jocolí, this solar park in Mendoza takes advantage of an area of optimal radiation to generate clean energy.
Cutting-edge technology and unprecedented execution for the largest solar park in Mendoza
The works were executed by the Mendoza company Distrocuyo, which managed to complete the work even six days ahead of the so-called “impossible date” of the acceleration plan.
This technical feat involved the coordination of multiple specialized teams in Pre-commissioning, Commissioning, and Start-up.
The infrastructure includes the first GIS substation of the Cuyo Interconnected System, a gas-encapsulated cell technology that offers greater safety, reliability, and requires less space.
The first 220/33 kV transformer was also installed, enabling tests for the future injection of energy into the Argentine Interconnection System (SADI).
With the energization of the transformer station, the testing phase for the progressive integration of photovoltaic generation now begins.
Once operational, “El Quemado” will increase the availability of renewable energies and strengthen the national electrical grid.
“The full commissioning in 2024 of the High Voltage Line Cruz de Piedra —along with the recent energization of ‘El Quemado’— demonstrates the concrete commitment of the Government of Mendoza, together with Emesa, to consolidate a robust and secure electrical network,” highlighted Jimena Latorre, Minister of Energy and Environment of the province.
The capacity and environmental benefits of “El Quemado“
The new solar park “El Quemado” in Mendoza will reach an installed capacity of 305 MW in its complete configuration.
To achieve this, more than 515 thousand units of bifacial photovoltaic panels will be installed over 350 hectares in Las Heras.
The project’s numbers reflect its positive environmental impact:
- It will supply more than 274 thousand homes
- It will avoid the emission of 455,378 tons of CO₂ per year
- It will generate employment for more than 400 people during construction
- It will use more than 300 thousand bifacial panels in its first stage
The first stage of the solar park is scheduled to start during the first quarter of 2026, after an 18-month construction period.
The project was originally developed by Emesa as part of its investment attraction strategy, and acquired by YPF Luz in 2023.
Mendoza aims for 700 MW of renewable energy
The Government of Mendoza is working in coordination with the private sector to achieve 700 MW of renewable power in the next two years.
With 305 MW total, the “El Quemado” solar park in Mendoza represents a fundamental contribution towards that provincial goal.
Latorre highlighted the joint work between agencies, contractors, and specialized teams, as well as the institutional support to advance in high-impact works for Mendoza and the country.
These strategic works aim to consolidate a cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable energy matrix for the entire province.
