The National University of La Plata (UNLP) is moving forward with the construction of its Photovoltaic Solar Park, an unprecedented initiative that will make it the first academic institution in Latin America capable of generating all the electricity it uses.
With the bidding process already completed, construction has begun on the rural site of Vieytes, in the district of Magdalena, where the plant will be located.
UNLP emphasizes that this development positions it as unique in the world by having infrastructure of this magnitude within the university environment.
The project aims to guarantee energy self-sufficiency through an installation of 10 megawatts per hour, equipped with over 18,000 bifacial solar panels, capable of capturing both direct radiation and reflected ground radiation.
Robotic technology and 40% energy efficiency
The panels will be mounted on an automated structure that will track the sun’s path during the day, allowing to increase the system’s efficiency by 40%. According to the technical team, after the land leveling, geotechnical studies and structural calculations will be carried out. It is estimated that the first containers with specialized technology will arrive from China in April 2026.
Currently, UNLP consumes between 8 and 10 megawatts/hour monthly, a figure that will be completely covered by the new plant, ensuring the operation of its academic, administrative buildings, and research centers.
“This project is strategic within our environmental agenda and reflects our commitment to developing renewable energy sources,” stated Academic Vice President Fernando Tauber during a visit to the site with representatives from PowerChina Ltd., the project’s contractor.
UNLP will have its own solar park.
Institutional coordination and leadership in sustainability
The visit also included Technology Linkage Secretary Javier Díaz, Works Prosecretary Agustín Olivieri, the deans of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Marcelo Pecoraro and Ricardo Andreau, the dean of Engineering Marcos Actis, and the Infrastructure and Networks Director Pedro Brisson.
Tauber emphasized the project’s relevance for national sustainable development and the active role of public universities:
“We are a university that produces not only knowledge. We must be a tool to build a better future.”
The bidding process was extensive and participatory, with the involvement of national and international companies in the energy sector, ensuring a transparent and technically viable scheme.
Track record in sustainable mobility and clean energy
UNLP already has a solid experience in sustainable mobility projects, such as the University Eco Bus, the electric microbus of the University Line, and the country’s first lithium battery plane, which recently completed its inaugural flight.
On the other hand, PowerChina Ltd. Argentine Branch, the contractor, is involved in developing renewable energy infrastructure in various provinces. It is currently participating in the construction of 5 wind farms (355 MW) and 4 solar parks (412.6 MW) in Argentine territory.
Science, energy sovereignty, and ecological transition
With the progress of its solar park, UNLP consolidates itself as a reference in technological innovation and environmental commitment, integrating an agenda that articulates scientific research, energy autonomy, and sustainable development.
