Argentina’s YPF Luz starts up first 100 MW of El Quemado solar park

YPF Luz has successfully brought into operation the first 100 MW of the El Quemado Solar Park, located in the province of Mendoza. The facility is the largest photovoltaic project in Argentina and represents the company’s seventh renewable energy development.

With this initial phase now online, YPF Luz doubles its installed solar capacity, which rises to 200 MW, strengthening its position in Argentina’s renewable energy market. The company’s total installed generation capacity now stands at 3.5 GW, reinforcing its long-term strategy focused on clean energy expansion and grid integration.

From midnight today, El Quemado received commercial operation authorisation from CAMMESA, confirming that the first 100 MW are fully operational. The electricity generated is now being injected into the Argentine Interconnected System (SADI), the country’s national transmission grid.

Once fully completed, the solar park will reach a total installed capacity of 305 MW. The remaining capacity will be commissioned in stages, with full commercial operation expected during the first half of 2026. The project involves an estimated investment of USD 210 million and has already surpassed 80% completion.

This construction milestone follows the successful completion of all technical and functional tests required prior to commercial operation. In early December, the project achieved energisation with the connection of the new El Quemado transformer substation to the national grid, marking the start of the commissioning phase.

“The start-up of this first phase of El Quemado reflects our commitment to the development of Argentina’s energy mix,” said Martín Mandarano, CEO of YPF Luz. “We are closing the year by delivering a major milestone that will supply renewable energy to a wide range of Argentine industries. This achievement encourages us to go further in 2026 and continue supporting the country’s industrial growth.”