Argentina’s largest renewable energy generator Genneia has been authorized to begin operating the 180MW San Rafael solar park.

In a regulatory filing, the company said that wholesale power market administrator Cammesa granted commercial approval for the first 140MW.

The US$180mn plant is in Mendoza province and falls under the Mater market, which allows large users to purchase renewable power directly from private producers.

“This project clearly demonstrates the direction Mendoza is taking in the energy sector: concrete investments, modern infrastructure, and sustainable development. The early commissioning of the San Rafael solar park confirms that the province offers predictability and the technical conditions necessary for the growth of renewable energy,” the province’s energy and environment minister Jimena Latorre said.

Genneia CEO Bernardo Andrews added that “the commissioning of the San Rafael solar park represents a fundamental step in our growth strategy. This project demonstrates that it is possible to develop large-scale energy infrastructure, with a positive impact on the environment and regional economies, supporting the growing demand for competitive energy from Argentine industry.”

In August, Genneia brought online the 180MW Anchoris solar park in Mendoza.

And last month, as part of Mater, Genneia inked a five-year agreement with Coca-Cola to supply the latter’s concentrate plant in the city of Buenos Aires and storage center in Ezeiza.

(The original version of this content was written in English)