The Secretariat of Energy in Argentina is looking for bidders to design, construct and initially operate a 1.239 MW DC solar PV plant, to be integrated into a mini grid in Luracatao Valley in Salta province. It said this is the largest isolated network tendered under the secretariat's Renewable Energy Project in Rural Markets (PERMER) program, and also the most ambitious of the project to date.
To come up at a location sited more than 2,700 meters above sea level, the mini grid will guarantee reliable supply of electricity, accompanied by 2×630 kVA diesel generators as cold reserve. Once the mini grid is functional, it would power more than 400 rural homes, 9 schools, 4 health posts, a police station, churches and neighborhood centers of 8 Diaguita Calchaqui communities.
The government hopes to have this reliability of power supply contributing to uninterrupted local business activities of as wool and fabric production, as well as dairy and meat processing.
"Not only will it benefit the productive development, tourism and each of the occupations of the inhabitants, but it will also bring dignity to our people through the provision of electricity," said the Mayor of Seclantas, Mauricio Aban while stressing on the importance of the project that's coordinated by the federal Ministry of Energy and the Government of Salta.
According to the ministry, last date to submit bids for this tender is September 15, 2021. Details can be found on its website.
It is the 3rd PV plant to be built in Salta, informed the secretariat, stating that the other 2 projects were tendered in the departments of Iruya and Oran.