Argentine power producer Genneia has begun operating 140 megawatts of capacity at its San Rafael solar farm in Mendoza province, marking a major renewable energy expansion backed by a $180 million investment.
Project Adds Scale to Mendoza’s Solar Capacity
Argentine Genneia said Tuesday it has powered up 140 megawatts at its San Rafael solar park in western Argentina, strengthening renewable generation in Mendoza province. The facility is one of the largest solar projects developed by the company in the region.
“This milestone reflects our commitment to expanding clean energy in Mendoza and across Argentina,” Genneia said in a statement announcing the start of operations. The company did not disclose how many homes the new capacity could serve.
The San Rafael project includes about 400,000 solar panels installed across the site. Construction and commissioning were completed in stages, allowing part of the capacity to enter service while additional work continues.
Argentine Genneia said the project was designed to support Argentina’s growing demand for renewable power from large private-sector consumers. The company operates wind and solar assets nationwide and supplies electricity to industrial and commercial clients.
$180 Million Investment Targets 180 MW Expansion
The solar farm represents a total investment of about $180 million, which includes spending planned to expand the site to 180 megawatts. Genneia said the remaining capacity will be added in a later phase.
A company spokesperson said the expansion is already factored into long-term planning. “San Rafael was built with scalability in mind, and the next phase will further increase output without major redesign,” the spokesperson said.
Once fully completed, the facility will rank among Genneia’s largest solar assets. The company has positioned solar power as a key pillar of its generation mix, alongside wind energy, to meet corporate demand for low-emissions electricity.
Argentine Genneia has not provided a specific timeline for the final 40 megawatts but confirmed that preparatory work is underway. The company said the full buildout will improve efficiency and reduce overall operating costs.
Power Sold to Private Buyers Under MATER
Electricity from the San Rafael solar farm will be sold to private-sector clients through Argentina’s renewable energy marketplace, known as MATER. The program allows large power consumers to buy clean electricity directly from generators.
“Supplying energy through MATER enables us to support companies seeking reliable renewable power while accelerating Argentina’s energy transition,” Genneia said in its statement.
San Rafael is Genneia’s third solar project in Mendoza province. Together, the sites form part of a broader plan to invest more than $400 million in energy projects in the province, the company said.
Argentine Genneia added that Mendoza’s high solar irradiation and established grid infrastructure make it a strategic location for long-term renewable development. The company said it expects demand under MATER to remain strong as more businesses commit to sustainability goals.
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