Schmid Group prepares for Argentinian project
After a detailed engineering phase in cooperation with the energy provider Energia Provincial Sociedad del Estado (EPSE) of the Argentine province of San Juan, the ceremonial laying of the foundation stone for the planned, fully integrated 71MW production of ingot, wafer, solar cell and module took place on October 24, 2014. Government representatives from San Juan and Buenos Aires, representatives of the energy supplier EPSE and the Schmid Group as well as about 2.000 enthusiastic visitors from the general public attended the public event.
After the laying of the foundation stone, José Luis Gioja, the Governor of San Juan, emphasized the pioneering role of the province in the implementation of renewable energies in Argentina. The first grid-connected PV power plants of the country were installed there already in 2012. The ideal conditions with an annual solar radiation of more than 2,300 kWh per m² favor EPSE in the development of a regional energy matrix with a high proportion of PV. The project with the Schmid Group makes a significant contribution and can provide new solar power to 43,000 households each year.
First of all, the solar energy usage mainly focuses on the supply to gold and copper mines as well as on the relief of water power plants, which are highly dependent on rainfall. In the long run, the factory is scheduled to supply the Argentine domestic market and other Mercosur countries. Julio De Vido, Argentina's Minister of Planning and Public Investment, emphasized the far-reaching significance of the project for Argentina and the entire Mercosur region. In his speech he assured the energy provider EPSE and the Schmid Group of the continuing and full national support.
Andreas Kielwein, Vice President at Schmid Group, thanked the provincial government for "the confidence being allowed to be part of this future-oriented project that has such a great importance for Argentina." In connection with the construction of the production facility, a long-term scientific cooperation between the Schmid Group, EPSE and the Universidad Nacional de San Juan has been agreed. The aim is to ensure a sustainable PV infrastructure and the further technical development of the PV-location of San Juan.
