Solar Energy is Growing in the Region, and Paraguay Could Benefit

Solar energy has gained ground in the Americas as a key renewable source in the transition to cleaner energy. Countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Chile are leading the way in the installation of solar plants, generating electricity that powers everything from homes to industries. In this article, we discuss the advantages a solar plant could bring to Paraguay.

The Latin American countries making the biggest efforts to achieve clean energy are Chile, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina, according to data from the Inter-American Development Bank.

According to the ranking they manage, Brazil has emerged as the largest solar energy producer in recent years, with 40% of the installed capacity in the region. Mexico follows in second place with 28%, Chile with 16%, Argentina in fourth with 4%, and Honduras in fifth, representing 3% of the capacity.

When we talk about plant capacities, Mexico's Villanueva stands out as one of the largest in Latin America, with an installed capacity of 828 megawatts (MW). This plant is designed to generate enough electricity to power over one million homes, highlighting the country’s potential to harness solar radiation across vast areas of its territory.

In Brazil, the Pirapora solar park has an installed capacity of 321 MW and is an example of how the country has diversified its energy matrix.

Chile, with its Atacama Desert, is another leader in the use of solar energy. The Cerro Dominador solar power plant, with a capacity of 210 MW, not only generates electricity but also incorporates solar thermal energy storage, allowing it to provide electricity even when the sun isn’t shining.

In terms of generation, these plants produce between 200 and 1,000 megawatts, which accounts for a significant portion of the energy needs in the countries where they are installed. This type of energy is especially useful for powering large industries, rural communities, and, in some cases, for exporting energy to neighboring countries.

Solar Energy in Paraguay: What Benefits Could It Bring?

Paraguay could benefit from energy diversification by opening a solar farm. This would offer multiple economic and social advantages. First, it would create direct and indirect jobs during its construction, operation, and maintenance, benefiting local communities. Additionally, it would promote the development of new technical skills in the population and encourage technology transfer in the country.

Furthermore, Paraguay’s energy matrix is currently dominated by hydroelectric power, meaning it is heavily dependent on dams like Itaipú and Yacyretá, which in turn rely on the Paraná River’s water levels to produce electricity.

A solar plant could further diversify the matrix, ensure supply during droughts, and boost economic development by exporting renewable energy.

The initial investment in a solar plant may seem high, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs, generating a positive economic and environmental impact for the country.

Solar Energy: Stable Costs

Another key benefit is the stability of generation costs in the long run. Unlike fossil fuel-based energy sources, which are subject to the volatility of international oil and gas prices, solar energy has predictable costs once the initial investment is made. This would allow Paraguay to maintain competitive energy rates, improve its energy security, and reduce its exposure to global market fluctuations, ensuring greater energy independence for future generations.