Atlas Renewable Energy has commenced commercial operations at a 300MW solar plant in Mexico.
La Pimienta, now fully operational, is located in the state of Campeche and is the second largest operational solar plant in Mexico, stated Atlas.
The plant will supply energy to CFE under a 15-year contract to support the power needs of the Yucatan peninsula.
La Pimienta is composed of more than a million solar panels, which are spread across 651 hectares.
La Pimienta represents the first large-scale solar renewable energy investment in Campeche, with the participation of the Interamerican Development Bank (IDB), National Bank of Public Works and Services (Banobras), MUFG Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and Société Générale.
“We are very proud that our largest project to date is now fully operational. This project is very special for us, as we are able to supply clean energy to the Yucatan Peninsula and avoid the emission of more than 1.7 million tons of CO2.
“In addition, we are able to promote unique social and environmental programs that will contribute to the well-being of the surrounding communities and the preservation of the local ecosystem,” said Camilo Serrano, General Manager for Atlas Renewable Energy in México.
The construction of La Pimienta created over 1000 jobs where the local workforce was prioritised.
Atlas’ flagship programme, “We are all part of the same energy”, trained 355 local women in technical skills and hired 165 of them, raising female representation from a traditional 2% to 15% during the construction of these types of projects.
Atlas also implemented Project Carmen; a programme in partnership with the local health authorities focused on bringing accessible healthcare to the nearby communities through the construction, rehabilitation and equipment of two health centres.
The company also supported the community with the installation of dry bathrooms and wood-saving stoves for over 40 families.
Taking care of the environment and protecting the local ecosystem was also a main focus, stated Atlas.
The company implemented a biodiversity programme to preserve the local flora and fauna and enhanced a natural corridor within the plant, to improve the habitat of local species.
The company is also reinserting local flora that was rescued during the construction phase of the plant, and it will execute a 450-hectare reforestation programme, expecting to plant close to 100,000 specimens.