In the Argentine province of La Rioja, the Arauco III Wind Farm marks a milestone in the development of renewable energy. nationwide. With its recent opening and a investment of 145 million dollars, the complex is expanding its installed capacity and is preparing to add a new dimension to its energy contribution.
The work incorporates 28 state-of-the-art wind turbines which will allow to supply approximately 100 additional MW to the interconnected electrical system, bringing the total capacity of the park to 250 MWCommercial operations are scheduled to begin next October, following the completion of the necessary technical tests.
A benchmark for clean energy in northern Argentina
Arauco Park, a pioneer in the region, consolidates itself as the largest generator of renewable energy in the north of the country. Currently, the company operates three wind farms (two of its own and one under administration) and has exceeded the threshold of 100 wind turbines installedThis breakthrough is the result of nearly 15 years of continuous development, beginning in 2009 with the commissioning of the first wind module (PEA I), followed by successive stages of technological and capacity expansion.
Arauco's leadership is reflected not only in its installed potency, but also in its excellent efficiency indicators. For several months in 2024, the facility was recognized as the most efficient wind farm in Argentina in the ranking published by CAMMESA, evaluating factors such as load, generation and participation in national electricity demand.
The technology used in this new phase, based on Siemens Gamesa wind turbines of 3,55 MW each, allows operation with a estimated capacity factor close to 40%. In this way, a is projected annual generation of around 350 GWh, contributing to the reduction of approximately 142.000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
From wind power to a pioneering hybrid complex
The next strategic step of the Arauco Wind Farm will be the construction of its first solar park, called Arauco Solar I, which will add up 50 MW of renewable capacity thanks to the installation of some 180.000 solar modulesThis work, scheduled to begin shortly, will allow La Rioja to have the Argentina's first hybrid wind-solar farm, integrating both energy sources into a single operating platform and strengthening the security, efficiency, and sustainability of regional supply.
The energy generated in the solar park will be dispatched through the Arauco I Transformer Station under renewable energy supply contracts signed with CAMMESA, guaranteeing its incorporation into the national system in a stable and transparent manner.
The development plans don't stop there: provincial authorities are already projecting future growth through the expansion of new solar phases (Arauco Solar II, III, and IV), each with even greater capacity, consolidating La Rioja's leadership in the transition toward a diversified, low-emission energy matrix.
Management, impact and future projection
The public-private management model has been key in the success of the Arauco Wind Farm. The state-owned company (SAPEM) has a majority stake in the provincial government, which has decided to invest in the integration of various technical, legal, and business stakeholders. This collaborative effort has overcome initial obstacles and made progress toward the goals of modernization, efficiency, and sustained expansion.
At the opening ceremonies, both Governor Ricardo Quintela and Ariel Parmigiani, president of Parque Eólico Arauco, emphasized the strategic value of a long-term vision, continued investment, and political commitment to staying the course even in challenging economic climates.
The impact of this park goes beyond energy indicators: it strengthens the local economy, promotes training and employment in clean energy, and positions the province as a leader in Argentina's ecological transition. Repeated recognition by national organizations, such as CAMMESA, of its efficiency and technical performance supports the project's solidity and potential.
With a vision towards the future, the focus on innovation, sustainability and energy diversification consolidate Arauco as a emblematic case in the Latin American renewable sectorThe integration of technologies and the expansion of capabilities continue to pave the way for growth and regional leadership.
The transformation achieved by the Arauco Wind Farm demonstrates the concrete impact that planning, cutting-edge technology, and collaborative models can have on modernizing the regional energy system. The combination of wind and solar energy, the efficiency achieved, and institutional support make it a benchmark for the shift toward a greener and more efficient economy in northern Argentina.
