The Arauco Solar I project continues to progress through its construction phase and is preparing to integrate with the existing Arauco wind complex, a development that will result in one of the largest hybrid wind–solar power plants in South America.
According to Emmanuel Rejal, Director of Parque Arauco, current activities are focused on site preparation, including land levelling and the opening of internal access roads required for the entry of machinery, equipment and technical staff during the installation phase.
Rejal confirmed that on 8 November, the first containers carrying components for the solar tracking system arrived at the port of San Antonio, Chile. This technology will allow the photovoltaic panels to adjust their orientation to optimise solar radiation capture. Following logistics and customs clearance, the equipment is expected to reach the site between 14 and 15 November.
Once the materials arrive in La Rioja province, piling works will begin, involving the installation of more than 10,000 metal structures across approximately 100 hectares. The delivery and installation of the photovoltaic panels are scheduled for December, when they will be mounted directly onto the tracking systems.
In parallel, Parque Arauco closed 2025 with sustained growth in its renewable generation capacity. Energy produced this year is equivalent to the consumption of around 83% of households in La Rioja, an illustrative reference of the project’s impact on the provincial energy mix, although not a direct measure of household supply.
During 2025, the company also added 18 new wind turbines, strengthening the performance of the wind farm, which currently employs 125 workers.
Looking ahead to 2026, the company plans to add 50 MW of solar capacity, with the goal of reaching 300 MW of total installed hybrid capacity combining wind power and solar PV. This would mark a new milestone in La Rioja’s energy transition.
At the same time, expansion works are progressing at the Arauco I transformer substation, which will incorporate a new 60 MVA module to enable the injection of generated electricity into the Argentine Interconnection System (SADI), the country’s national power grid.
“Planning foresees completion of the works between March and April next year,” Rejal stated.
The development of Arauco Solar I represents a strategic step towards diversifying La Rioja’s energy matrix, reinforcing the province’s profile in renewable energy and supplying clean power to Argentina’s national electricity system.
