A Chinese solar specialist has brought its power systems to eight remote towns in Argentina’s Jujuy province. Their successful installation was part of the “Solar Towns” initiative set out in 2019 to reduce reliance on diesel generators while taking advantage of Jujuy’s high altitude.
The equipment supplier, Shenzhen Atess Power Technology Co., Ltd (ATESS), is an expert in the field with operations throughout the globe. Representatives recently attended the Argentina Energy Week Summit & Exhibition in Buenos Aires and educated attendees about their technology.
El Toro, Catua and San Juan de Quillques were the most recent towns to complete their transition to photovoltaic energy in December. Now, the province is aiming to equip three more with the energy systems for a total of 11. This fairly recent development was detailed in a new report by India’s knowledgeable publication SolarQuarter.
Hybrid inverters and battery storage at San Juan de Quillques. Photo credit: SolarQuarter
Population growth expected
Argentina’s Ministry of Energy and Mining funded the new power infrastructure through its Project for Renewable Energy in Rural Markets. It provided over C$6 million to set up the tech.
“These mini-grids will boost local productivity and socio-economic development, fostering economic vitality and population growth,” project manager Luciano Galardón said.
The local settlements now have uninterrupted power provided by sunlight that gets stored in lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate batteries.
“At ATESS, we understand the unique electricity challenges in Latin America, such as unreliable power supply and high energy costs,” the company said in May. “Our tailored energy storage solutions address these pain points.”
Last week, #ATESS participated in the #ArgentinaEnergyWeek Summit. Our team introduced ATESS’s innovative PCS, HPS, and battery solutions. Our energy solutions can address Latin America's unique electricity challenges with stable, affordable energy. 🌍🔌 pic.twitter.com/jf4BtynyTQ
— Shenzhen Atess Power Technology Co.,Ltd (@AtessPower) June 6, 2024
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Residents involved with lithium mining services
Inhabitants of the newly solar-equipped towns are primarily involved with the lithium mining industry and livestock farming to provide for their families.
Jujuy is known for being one of the nation’s lithium rich provinces. Its affluent brine resources have attracted many companies.
Neighbouring Catamarca and Salta, in the country’s northwest corner, are a popular destination for international battery metal miners too.
A significant portion of these provinces are situated within Argentina, Chile and Bolivia’s Lithium Triangle. This prolific region is known for hosting over half of the world’s resources.
It is home to promising resource developers like Lithium South Development Corporation (TSX-V: LIS) (OTCQB: LISMF) (Frankfurt: OGPQ) and Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp. (TSX-V: LIT) (OTCQX: LILIF).
Lithium South recently expanded the well installation program at its flagship Hombre Muerto North project in Salta significantly. In April, Argentina Lithium reported favourable lithium grades from one of its most recent exploration holes with up to 371 milligrams per litre.
Major operators like Arcadium Lithium plc (NYSE: ALTM) and Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) have set up shop in the region for the foreseeable future too.
Map: Corporate Knights
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