Renewables
Solaria plans solar-backed data park in Uruguay
Spanish firm Solaria has agreed to build a massive $5.7 billion data centre and solar project in Uruguay.
Key points
- Solaria signed a deal with the government of Uruguay for a $5.7 billion technology park.
- The development includes 500 MW of data centre capacity and 350 MW of dedicated solar PV.
- According to pv magazine, the initiative stands as the largest foreign investment recorded in the nation.
Project overview
Spanish energy firm Solaria has reached an accord with authorities in Uruguay to construct a technology park featuring data centres and solar power generation, according to pv magazine reporting. The undertaking involves an estimated expenditure of $5.7 billion, which the Uruguayan administration describes as the highest foreign direct investment ever recorded in the country.
The initiative allocates $5.5 billion toward establishing data facilities with a total capacity of 500 MW. An additional $200 million will fund 350 MW of solar photovoltaic infrastructure intended to supply green electricity to the complex. Because this solar generation will not fully cover the energy requirements of the data centres, supplementary electricity supplies will be necessary.
Development phases
Construction activities will span through 2029, operating across two distinct stages under the national free trade zone framework. The sites will be located in the departments of Canelones, San José and Florida.
During the building phase, the initiative is projected to create 3,100 jobs. Upon reaching full operational status, the facilities are expected to sustain roughly 1,500 permanent positions.
Solaria has maintained a presence in Uruguay for nearly ten years, previously developing solar sites in Mercedes within the Soriano department and Young inside the Río Negro department. The latest agreement represents a diversification into digital infrastructure backed by renewable power generation, though specific details regarding grid integration and electrical configurations remain unannounced.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Renewables are the fastest-growing part of the world’s energy system. The COP28 goal is to triple capacity by 2030, and solar mini-grids are the fastest route to power for millions of people without electricity.
84.4% of electricity in Uruguay was renewable in 2021Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
