The Cauchari Solar Power Plant with 300 MW capacity coming up in Argentina's Jujuy province is being expanded by another 200 MW, taking its total capacity to 500 MW. It will also include energy storage. The agreement was signed at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires.
Jujuy's government had won the project in Argentina's renewable energy auction in October 2016 through its local company Jujuy Energia Y Mineria (JEMSE) (see 1 GW Argentina Tender Update).
China's Shanghai Electric Power Construction and Power China are the other stakeholders in the project, with Talesun providing solar modules. Eximbank is expected to extend finance for the project.
The Cauchari Solar Power Plant is being set up in 3 parts – Cauchari Solar I, II and III with 100 MW each. The expansion agreement also includes a 220 kW high-voltage line from Altiplano substation to La Quiaca. The transformer station will also be expanded in Cobos, between 345 kW line and the National Interconnected System.