The Quemado Solar Park moves forward, the first RIGI project promoted by YPF Luz

The El Quemado solar park project in Mendoza became the first renewable energy project submitted under the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI). Driven by YPF  Luz, the development will reach 305 megawatts of installed capacity, becoming the photovoltaic complex with the highest capacity in Argentina.

The site, located in Las Heras 13 kilometers from Jocolí, has exceptional solar radiation conditions. The committed investment amounts to USD 211 million and includes two phases: a first phase of 200 MW and a second phase that will add another 105 MW.

State-of-the-art panels and challenging logistics

The park covers 600 hectares and will feature 511,000 bifacial panels of 700 Wp manufactured by Jinko. These devices take advantage of both direct and ground-reflected radiation, with solar trackers and string inverters to optimize efficiency.

Logistics represented a challenge: according to Gonzalo Seijo, engineering and construction manager, the project required mobilizing nearly 1,000 trucks with equipment, structures, and electrical components. Construction began at the end of 2023 and is expected to be completed in 18 months, with commercial operation scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.

Economic and social impact in Mendoza

More than 80% of the workers hired reside in the province. During the peak of construction, more than 400 people participated in the development. For Mariana Iribarne, institutional relations manager at YPF Luz, coordination with the community is key: "RIGI allowed us to measure efficiencies and move forward toward a single 305 MW block."

Connection to SADI and remote monitoring

The park will be integrated into the Argentine Interconnection System (SADI) through a 220/33 kV transformer station near National Route 40. From the control tower in Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires, operation will be monitored with real-time control systems (Scada) and predictive tools.

Leandro Cuassolo, head of the Remote Operation Center, emphasized that these technologies make it possible to anticipate failures and ensure infrastructure availability.

Clean energy for 233,000 households

The projected capacity factor is 31.4%. With that efficiency, the park will produce enough energy to supply more than 233,000 households and avoid the emission of 385,000 tons of CO₂ per year.

Mario Padrón, project engineer, explained to Infobae that YPF Luz already has 3.4 GW of installed capacity, of which 650 MW correspond to renewables: "With El Quemado and the Casa wind farm, we'll reach one gigawatt of renewables in 2026."

The largest solar park in Argentina

The scale of El Quemado positions it as a milestone in Argentina's energy transition. According to Matías Domínguez, commercial analyst at YPF Luz, the business model prioritizes industrial supply through direct contracts: "Energy can't be stored; we must place it on the market as soon as we begin operating."

With the support of RIGI, YPF Luz strengthens its diversification strategy and consolidates the path toward a future with a greater share of clean energy in the national matrix.