The governor of Mendoza presented a package of projects that includes US$210 million to restore the Los Nihuiles hydroelectric complex, over US$43 million in electrical infrastructure, and the development of a 404-megawatt solar park
Due to its size, the project aims to become the largest solar park in Argentina.
Its projected capacity represents a significant commitment to increasing the share of renewable energies in the provincial energy matrix and complementing hydroelectric generation.
The combination of new electric transport facilities, recovery of hydroelectric plants, and solar generation seeks to increase energy availability to support production growth.
Cornejo also announced road and waterworks for southern Mendoza
During the Lunch of the Living Forces, the governor also reviewed other infrastructure projects aimed at improving the competitiveness of San Rafael and its integration with the rest of Mendoza.
In terms of roads, he confirmed that the province plans to complete the renewal of the national routes connecting southern Mendoza with the Uco Valley and the northern province by mid-2027.
The goal is to improve the circulation of people and goods, reduce logistics costs, and facilitate the transfer of regional production.
In water infrastructure, Cornejo highlighted the modernization of the Bombal channels, Perrone matrix, and Serú Civit, works that will benefit over 9,100 productive hectares.
The interventions aim to improve the efficiency of the irrigation system and optimize water use to strengthen agricultural activity.
He also mentioned the reactivation of sanitation works in Cuadro Nacional and Ballofet, which will improve services for over 140,000 residents.
Mendoza will seek up to US$200 million in international financing
Another announcement was related to access to financing to strengthen the business and productive fabric of the province.
Cornejo reported that the 2027 Budget project will include a request for legislative authorization to access financing from international organizations of up to US$200 million.
The resources would be allocated to an Economic and Competitive Development Plan, designed to support Mendoza companies, promote their modernization, and improve their chances of accessing new markets.
"We want products of greater value, quality, and complexity, and more sales destinations both inside and outside the country. I ask the Legislature to approve this instrument to give more future to our companies," the governor expressed.
The proposal aims to strengthen the productive capacity of local companies and expand commercial opportunities both within and outside Argentina.
With this package of announcements, Cornejo seeks to consolidate Mendoza as an energy and productive development hub, with special attention to the potential of San Rafael and the southern province.
The recovery of Los Nihuiles, the expansion of the electrical grid, and the development of the 404-megawatt solar park represent the main components of a strategy that combines hydroelectric, renewable energy, and industrial infrastructure.
In addition, there are road and water investments and new financing instruments for companies, aimed at improving competitiveness and creating conditions to attract capital and expand provincial production.
The governor of Mendoza, Alfredo Cornejo, announced energy investments of over US$250 million to strengthen the productive infrastructure of San Rafael and the southern province. The projects include the recovery of the Los Nihuiles hydroelectric complex, new high-voltage facilities, and the advancement of an unprecedented solar park for the country.
The announcements were made during the traditional Lunch of the Living Forces of San Rafael, in front of businesspeople and representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture. There, the governor presented a strategy aimed at increasing electricity generation capacity, improving industrial competitiveness, and creating conditions to attract new investments.
"Without energy, there is no growth," Cornejo stated while explaining the importance of the works for Mendoza's economic development.
The governor also set an ambitious goal for the provincial energy system: to increase from the 1,730 megawatts of installed capacity recorded in 2015 to over 3,700 megawatts by 2027.
Cornejo announced US$210 million to recover Los Nihuiles
One of the main announcements was the investment plan of US$210 million to recover and modernize the Los Nihuiles hydroelectric complex, a strategic infrastructure for energy generation in Mendoza.
The interventions will allow for the recovery of facilities and improve the operational capacity of the plants. According to projections presented by the provincial government, the works could triple the current energy generation of the complex.
Cornejo also highlighted the recovery of 100% of the hydroelectric royalties for Mendoza, a historic demand of the province that, as he explained, had a particular impact on San Rafael.
"With that vision, we resolved the future of Los Nihuiles. We recovered 100%, repairing an injustice that harmed Mendoza and especially San Rafael for more than half a century," the governor stated.
Cornejo announced $210 million to recover Los Nihuiles
The recovery of the hydroelectric complex is part of a policy aimed at strengthening provincial energy resources and leveraging existing infrastructure to increase generation.
Over US$43 million to expand electrical infrastructure
Another central project involves an investment of over US$43 million to build the Transformer Station of the San Rafael Industrial Park and a 132-kilovolt high-voltage line to General Alvear.
The initiative will be tendered and has an estimated execution period of 24 months.
The works will improve electricity distribution and provide greater security for the energy supply of a region with significant industrial, commercial, and agricultural activity.
Additionally, the expansion of electrical infrastructure aims to create better conditions for the installation of new companies and the expansion of those already operating in southern Mendoza.
Access to sufficient and stable energy is a determining factor for industrial projects, especially those that require large volumes of electricity to develop their activities.
Mendoza advances with a 404-megawatt solar park
The development of renewable energies also took center stage in Cornejo's presentation.
The governor confirmed progress on the Mendoza Sur Solar Park project, which has passed the public hearing stage and is planned near Villa 25 de Mayo, in San Rafael.
The venture includes an installed capacity of 404 megawatts and the placement of over 900,000 solar panels distributed over an area of approximately 1,000 hectares.
