In a significant stride towards sustainability and decarbonization, Ternium Argentina has commenced construction on its renewable energy project.
With a total capacity of 72 megawatts, the wind farm located in the city of Olavarria is foreseen to become a prominent player in the region's energy landscape. Situated across a vast expanse of 3,748 acres, the project will feature cutting-edge wind turbines, each boasting a power output of 4.5 megawatts. The collective effort will replace a substantial 65% of Ternium Argentina's current electricity procurement from external suppliers within the national interconnected system.
Gaston Rodriguez Araya, Engineering Senior Director at Ternium Argentina, underscores the transformative impact of the wind farm. He elaborates, "This wind farm will seamlessly integrate into our energy matrix, enabling a significant reduction in our reliance on energy from the public grid, much of which is derived from hydrocarbons. By doing so, we anticipate avoiding the emission of a staggering 93,000 tons of CO2 annually, aligning with our ambitious decarbonization plan.”
The operation and management of the wind farm will employ a hybrid approach. On-site personnel will handle day-to-day operations, while Vestas, a reputable supplier in the wind energy industry, will assume responsibility for equipment maintenance. This collaborative model will ensure the wind farm operates optimally, with remote supervision and management from the Energy Control Center situated at the Thermal Power Plant of the General Savio Plant.
The construction of this groundbreaking renewable energy project represents an investment of 160 million dollars. It is a component of Ternium's decarbonization plan announced in 2021. This comprehensive plan seeks to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20% by 2030.
Anticipated to be operational in the latter half of 2024, the Olavarria wind farm is a shining example of how industry leaders can take proactive steps towards sustainability, while simultaneously contributing to the broader global effort to combat climate change.