The Peruvian government announced a $28.5 million solar-energy contract, after Ergon Peru S.A.C obtained the winning bid.
According to Energy and Mines Minister, Eleodoro Mayorga, Ergon Peru S.A.C will install 500,000 solar panels guaranteed to provide power in Peru for up to 15 years.
Nationally, 90% of Peruvians have access to electricity. While, in the rural regions of Peru, a mere 70% are connected to the electrical grid.
Mayorga and the Peruvian government hope to close this gap. “Our goal is for all Peruvians to have electricity by 2019.”
Ergon will begin installing panels next year and finish construction by the end of 2018. The majority of the panels will be installed on rural homes, however, schools and health clinics will be a focus for installation as well.
In the past, the government had installed solar panels in the rural regions, but with little success. Panels broke down and did not endure as an efficient product. These panels from Ergon will be a major step up.
Deputy Energy minister, Edwin Quintanilla explains, “What is different here is we are guaranteeing the integral supply of electricity for 15 years through a private investment.” Ergon has taken the responsibility for maintenance of the panels.
Many rural regions of Peru still reach a poverty rate up to 50%, it is therefore a major step in development for the country.