In the rugged landscapes of Argentina’s Jujuy province, a quiet, renewable revolution is taking place.
Remote communities, long reliant on noisy, polluting diesel generators, are embracing the power of the sun. At the forefront of this transformation is ATESS, a company whose innovative solar solutions are lighting up lives and powering dreams in some of the country’s most isolated regions.
The province of Jujuy has embarked on an ambitious “Solar Towns” initiative, aiming to replace traditional fossil fuel-based energy generation with cleaner alternatives.
This program has already designated eight towns as “solar,” with plans to expand to 11 across the province.
The latest additions to this green energy roster are Catua, El Toro, and San Juan de Quillques – communities that, until recently, were struggling with limited and unreliable electricity access.
ATESS’s role in this transformation cannot be overstated.
The company has provided state-of-the-art hybrid inverters and energy storage solutions that form the backbone of these new solar power systems.
In Catua, for instance, a 330 kWp photovoltaic system now hums quietly, its energy managed by two ATESS HPS120 hybrid inverters and stored in a robust 819.2 kWh battery system.
Similar setups, tailored to local needs, have been installed in El Toro and San Juan de Quillques.
The impact of these installations goes far beyond mere numbers.
For the first time, these communities have access to uninterrupted, clean electricity 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This reliability is transforming daily life, opening up new possibilities for education, healthcare, and economic development.
Sergio Pizarro, the Secretary of Energy, underscores the significance of this shift.
“The significance of establishing solar towns lies in providing guaranteed 24-hour electricity service to remote locations far from urban centres and general distribution networks, enhancing development conditions and possibilities for a better quality of life,” Pizarro said.
Indeed, the benefits are already becoming apparent.
In Catua, 146 households and seven public buildings, including a health station and a sports centre, now enjoy reliable power. El Toro’s 72 households and six public buildings, including two schools, are similarly energised. Even the tiny community of San Juan de Quillques, with its 72 residents, has seen its church, health station, and police detachment light up with new possibilities.
These projects, funded by the Project for Renewable Energy in Rural Markets (PERMER) of the Ministry of Energy, represent a total investment of over US$4.3 million which promises long-term returns in both environmental and social terms.
ATESS’s technology is at the heart of this transformation. Its hybrid inverters, visible in project photos with their sleek interfaces and robust designs, are more than just equipment – they’re the brains of these mini-grids, ensuring smooth power flow and efficient energy use.
The company’s commitment to delivering sustainable energy solutions is evident in the careful design of each installation, tailored to meet the specific needs of each community.
Looking ahead, the future seems bright for these solar towns.
“These mini-grids will boost local productivity and socio-economic development, fostering economic vitality and population growth,” Luciano Galardón, PERMER coordinator, said.
There’s an expectation that these areas, newly energised, will grow into thriving small towns in the coming years.
As the global push for renewable energy intensifies, the transformation of these remote Argentine communities serves as a powerful example of what’s possible. With companies like ATESS leading the charge, providing the technological backbone for such initiatives, we’re witnessing the dawn of a new era in sustainable rural electrification.
The quiet hum of solar panels and the gentle whir of ATESS inverters are replacing the roar of diesel generators.
It’s a sound of progress, of cleaner air, and of brighter futures.
As ATESS continues its mission to deliver sustainable energy solutions worldwide, more communities around the world may soon find themselves basking in the glow of reliable, renewable power.
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