Located in the Jujuy province in the northwest of Argentina, the vast Cauchari Plateau has an average altitude of more than 4,000 meters and an annual sunshine duration of more than 2,500 hours. Here is the photovoltaic power station project with the largest installed capacity and the highest altitude in South America. Viewed from a high altitude, the 1.2 million solar photovoltaic panels are arranged in an orderly manner, which is very spectacular.
In September 2020, the Gaochari Photovoltaic Power Plant Project constructed by Shanghai Electric Power Construction Co., Ltd. was officially put into commercial operation. As of the end of last year, the total power generation of the project reached 910,000 MWh, meeting the electricity demand of nearly 100,000 households and bringing in more than US$60 million in local revenue.
Gauchare was once one of the least developed regions in Argentina. Before, there were no hospitals, no schools, not even a decent road, and more than half of the households had no electricity. Many local farmers make a living by selling handicrafts and specialty herbs, and young people have to go out to work.
"The photovoltaic power plant project has brought great changes to the local area," recalled the project engineer Luis. "During the construction period of the project alone, about 1,500 jobs were provided, which is equivalent to the sum of the number of nearby villages. Many local people have been trained to become the project. construction workers earn about $700 a month, a lot more than before."
After the photovoltaic power station was put into operation, Lewis and more than 40 employees who participated in the construction stayed and continued to be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the power station. "Now, the roads around the power station are open, schools and hospitals have been built, and the lives of the villagers are improving day by day. More and more tourists come here to experience the Inca culture, and the local tourism and handicraft industries have developed." Seeing the power station With the changes brought to his hometown, Louis is full of longing for a better life.
Chinese companies adhere to strict environmental protection standards during the construction process, which also makes Lewis full of praise. "The project has established a sound environmental impact assessment system, and repeatedly modified the design plan for the local ecological environment. For example, the drainage pipes in the park are built according to the original terrain and above-ground facilities, which not only greatly reduces the amount of work, but also maximizes protection. The surface vegetation has been removed, providing more space for animals such as alpacas." Lewis said.
In April 2021, Chinese companies signed a general contract for the second phase of photovoltaic projects with Jujuy Province. The project is expected to start construction in the second half of this year. After completion, it can meet the electricity needs of about 70,000 households and further reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Today, the Gauchari photovoltaic power station has become a shining business card in Jujuy Province. In February this year, Morales, Governor of Jujuy Province, said with emotion after visiting the project site: "I hope more people will know about this photovoltaic power station. It not only provides clean energy continuously, but also brings to our hometown. More changes."
With stable power supply, low-carbon travel has also been put on the agenda. In May of this year, Jujuy Province signed a new energy light rail train cooperation agreement with Chinese companies, making full use of photovoltaic power generation to provide energy for vehicles and to meet the needs of local tourism development.
"Photovoltaic power plants help Argentina's energy transition," said Greno, a researcher at Argentina's Center for Sustainable Development. The new energy cooperation projects are actively contributing to local development. "Since 2016, Argentina has launched more than 100 renewable energy projects. The success of these projects has enriched Argentina's energy matrix, and played an exemplary role in building a green management system and promoting green technologies." Gleni O said.