Argentina has expanded its renewable energy capacity by 74.6 megawatts (MW) during the third quarter, as confirmed by the country's energy secretariat. This growth was achieved through the commencement of commercial operations of two wind farms and a landfill biogas thermal power plant in Buenos Aires province.
The newly operational wind farms include the 51.6-MW Buena Ventura and the 18-MW Vivorata. The 5-MW San Martin Norte III biogas plant contributed to the additional renewable energy capacity. As of the end of the third quarter, Argentina's renewable energy portfolio consisted of 5,525 MW generated by 205 operational power plants distributed across the country.
Furthermore, the energy secretariat has taken a notable step by instructing the Argentine wholesale electricity market administrator, CAMMESA, to recognize hydroelectric plants of all sizes as renewable energy sources in official documents. Previously, only hydroelectric stations with a capacity of less than 50 MW were classified as renewables.
In a statement, Energy Secretary Flavia Royon highlighted the historical significance and global importance of hydroelectric energy as the oldest form of renewable energy. This decision marks a significant shift in the recognition of hydroelectric energy, emphasizing its continued relevance in the modern energy landscape.
