The **Bariloche Electricity Cooperative (CEB)** is advancing in the design of an ambitious project to **incorporate solar energy** into its supply system.
The initiative includes the installation of [a **photovoltaic park**](https://noticiasambientales.com/energia/el-sol-como-motor-el-quemado-impulsa-un-cambio-energetico-con-el-parque-solar-mas-grande-del-pais-en-mendoza/) of 15 megawatts in areas of **high solar radiation** located to the east of the city, in the steppe region, where the climatic conditions are more favorable than in the urban mountainous area.
## Solar energy in Bariloche to improve the economic equation
The main objective is to **reduce dependence on the wholesale electricity market**, improve operational efficiency, and reduce costs of **energy transportation**. Currently, Bariloche is supplied from:
– The **Alicurá dam**, the main hydroelectric source
– The **La Paloma thermal park**, with 20 MW, with a renewable contract
– And soon, **own solar generation**, which would cover more than **25% of current consumption** (estimated between 56 and 58 MW)
“Solar energy will allow covering demand peaks, especially [during the tourist season](https://noticiasambientales.com/turismo/vacaciones-en-bariloche-hospedajes-que-ofrecen-descanso-comodidad-y-conciencia-ambiental/), and offer a more sustainable alternative,” explained **Horacio Fernández**, manager of the CEB.
## Technical and economic viability: keys to the project
The proposal is in the phase of **technical and financial evaluation**, in coordination with the **provincial Energy Secretariat**. Among the aspects analyzed are:
– **Strategic location**: areas near Dina Huapi, with good insolation and proximity to medium and high voltage lines
– **Feasibility studies**: at least **25 hectares** are required to install the panels
– **Long-term financing**: seeking access to credits with **minimum seven-year terms**, in line with the amortization period
“The investment is around **$900,000 per installed megawatt**, and there are tax advantages that make the project viable,” Fernández pointed out.
## Latest generation solar technology
The CEB is considering incorporating **panels with “tracking” technology**, capable of orienting themselves according to the solar angle and adapting to the terrain. Additionally, it contemplates:
– **Battery banks** to store energy and ensure availability at all times
– **Sale of surpluses** to the national electrical system
– **Reduction of environmental impact** compared to fossil sources
Although they will not completely replace thermal generation, solar panels will allow **complementing the energy matrix** and **reducing the carbon footprint**.
## Regional articulation and shared experiences
The president of CEB, **Alejandro Pozas**, confirmed that contacts have already been initiated with **Calf de Neuquén** to learn about similar experiences. They are also considering the possibility of using **public or private lands** to establish the park, possibly in the surroundings of the **industrial and technological park of Bariloche**.
From the Energy Secretariat, **Néstor Pérez** emphasized that this project joins others underway in **the Atlantic area, Alto Valle, and Línea Sur**, as part of a provincial strategy to **promote renewable energy** in different parts of the territory.
“Profitability is assured, and tax benefits are a key incentive. The challenge is to access appropriate financing,” Pérez concluded.
