ANTÚ 1- Empowering Patagonia: a Community-Driven 18 MW Solar Venture
Beyond its primary function of solar power generation, ANTÚ 1 pioneers a collaborative model, positioning the indigenous Mapuche Millaqueo community as partners and shareholders.
Situated 30 km northwest of Zapala in the heart of Patagonia, Argentina, this transformative initiative is more than a solar project; it's a beacon of community empowerment and sustainable energy.
Strategic Location
Located at kilometre 2,459 along National Route 40, ANTÚ 1 benefits from excellent solar conditions and proximity to EPEN's medium-voltage lines, streamlining energy evacuation to the Argentine Interconnection System.
Solid Technical Design
ANTÚ 1 aims for an annual net energy production of 39,309 GWh/year with a net-to-grid Capacity Factor of 24.92%. Carefully selected equipment ensures a balance between maximizing energy generation and minimizing operational costs.
A Collaborative Venture
To bring the ANTÚ 1 solar project to life, the Millaqueo Indigenous Community, Meliquina, and Sustentar Energía have established "CLA NEHUEN ANTÚ S.A.”. Chosen by our community partners, the name means 'the three forces of the sun' in their native language and symbolises the collaborative spirit of the three organisations that form the backbone of our project.
Ownership and Authorisation
CLA NEUHEN ANTU S.A. holds all rights and authorisations for the land required for the project. The Mapuche Millaqueo community, the landowner, is a shareholder of CLA NEHUÉN ANTÚ and has been a co-developer of the project since its inception.
Nora Romero and Patricio Zapata receive the community’s land title from the authorities of the Province of Neuquén, Governor Omar Gutiérrez and Secretary Jorge Lara.
Long-term trust and capacity building
We started our project development journey together from scratch back in 2018 and have built a strong relationship along the way. Meliquina and Sustentar provide ongoing technical support to our community partner.
Community-Driven Social and Environmental Assessment
Millaqueo has developed their own social baseline and have actively participated in the preparation of a comprehensive ESIA for the project.
Joint project design and development
We have made every project development decision together and have based our partnership in the principle of free, prior and informed consent.
“Where there is a will, there is a way.”
Patricio Zapata, President of Cla Nehuén Antú, shares why ANTÚ 1 is a unique project for the Mapuche Millaqueo Community.