Peru’s Largest Solar Plant Now Online in Arequipa

San Martín project adds 300 MWdc, powering 440,000 homes annually

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Peru’s largest solar installation—the 300 MWdc San Martín plant—has officially entered commercial operation in Arequipa’s La Joya district. Developed by Zelestra and completed in under 18 months, the plant delivers power to Kallpa Generación through a long-term PPA. Its projected annual output of 830 GWh is expected to power approximately 440,000 homes and prevent more than 166,000 tons of CO₂ emissions each year.

The utility-scale project includes 450,000 solar modules and was delivered by Zelestra’s internal EPC division. This approach enabled the team to stay on schedule and within budget, showcasing a controlled, vertically integrated execution model that minimized delays and avoided cost overruns. Employment during peak construction reached 900 workers, offering a temporary economic lift to the region.

Latin America Expansion Gains Momentum as San Martín Sets Benchmark

The launch of San Martín marks a key step in Zelestra’s broader regional strategy. The company is currently advancing over 7 GW of solar and battery storage projects across Peru, Chile, and Colombia, with 1.7 GW under contract. As more countries in Latin America pursue decarbonization targets, San Martín serves as a model for how clean energy can scale rapidly under the right development framework.

Globally, Zelestra has become a notable player in the corporate energy market. BloombergNEF recently listed the company among the top 10 suppliers of renewable power to corporate buyers, and it ranked second across the EMEA region. Backed by EQT, Zelestra manages a clean energy portfolio totaling more than 29 GW across 13 countries—with over 5.4 GW in advanced development or operational stages.

Environment + Energy Leader