The civil works for a new solar park in Neuquén have already begun in Los Chihuidos, a locality that today only has electricity 13 hours a day.
The project promises to change the energy reality of its inhabitants with a sustainable solution.
Los Chihuidos, historically isolated from the Argentine Interconnection System (SADI), currently depends on a diesel system that generates high costs and limits its development.
Therefore, the construction of this new solar park in Neuquén seeks to replace this obsolete model.
The new solar park in Neuquén, a public-private project
Pan American Energy (PAE) and YPF are financing the construction, in coordination with the Province of Neuquén and the Provincial Energy Entity of Neuquén (EPEN).
Both companies are partners in the Aguada Pichana Oeste area, where PAE operates.
The first stage consists of the civil works to build the bases where the solar panels will be mounted and the slab of the technical room.
Thus, it is expected to be completed before the end of the year to then carry out the equipment assembly.
The scheduled date for the inauguration of the solar park is planned for March 2026, at which time it will be handed over to EPEN for operation.
The technical characteristics of the solar park in Neuquén
The project includes key components to ensure constant energy:
- 288 solar panels with a capacity of 200 kilowatts (kW)
- Battery bank of 545 kilowatt-hours (kWh) with autonomy of up to two days
- Hybrid system solar-diesel that will reduce fuel consumption by more than 70%
Thus, this solar park in Neuquén represents a significant advance towards the energy sustainability of isolated communities.
The hybrid system will allow maintaining the supply even on cloudy days.
A renewed infrastructure for the new energy era
The project was developed after the completion of the new electrical distribution network carried out by EPEN.
This intervention was financed through a fund from the Environment Secretariat, with contributions from Pan American Energy.
That renovation included the electrical wiring, the installation of new lines, transformer substations, and public lighting with LED technology. These improvements prepared Los Chihuidos to receive energy from the park.
Thus, the construction of the solar park in Neuquén strengthens the energy infrastructure of Los Chihuidos.
At the same time, it promotes sustainable energies as a solution for localities historically isolated from the national electrical system.
With renewable energy available 24 hours a day, the inhabitants will be able to improve their quality of life and expand their economic activities.
The project sets a precedent for other remote communities in the region.
