Solarpack and Gestamp Solar have begun operations of the TACNA solar park, in Southern Peru. The 20MW TACNA solar park is the result of a joint development effort between the two Spanish multi-national solar park builders and developers. Conduit Capital Partners is participating in the project as an investor. The plant is delivering electric power to cities in the area, through the Sistema Eléctrico Interconectado Nacional (SEIN) the Peruvian electrical grid system.
Tacna Solar is one of two solar photovoltaic plants awarded to Solarpack by the Peruvian government in February 2010. The second awarded 20MW plant is located in Moquegua and is expected to start operating by the end of this year. The 20 year contract with the Peruvian government anticipates a supply of 98 GWh per year of solar photovoltaic generated electricity.
These plants will produce enough energy to meet the needs of more than 67,000 households in the area. Operation of the solar parks has the added benefit of avoiding more than 65,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year. The Tacna region has one of the highest annual irradiation areas in Peru. The plant is equipped with more than 75,000 crystalline silicon modules, distributed in an area of 120 hectares.
According to Pablo Burgos, CEO of Solarpack: The beginning of operations at Tacna Solar is another step forward in Solarpacks process of consolidating its leading position in Latin America, a strategic market for our company. Jorge Barredo, CEO of Gestamp Solar, added: This project reinforces our presence in Latin America and it is an important milestone in our international expansion. It consolidates Gestamp Solar as one of the leading companies in the sector in South America. Solarpack is consolidating its operations in Peru and Chile, with projects reaching 90MW.
