Renewable energy company Zelestra has initiated construction at the Babilonia solar facility, a 242MW-direct current (MWdc) project in Arequipa, Peru.
This development is part of the larger La Joya solar complex, which is projected to reach nearly 700MWdc of total capacity.
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The construction of Babilonia is supported by a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Celepsa, a Grupo UNACEM company within Peru’s electricity sector.
This agreement aims to deliver consistent and sustainable energy to regulated, mining and industrial clients across Peru.
Celepsa CEO Eduardo Rivas said: “Celepsa’s participation in this project is part of our strategy to ensure a reliable and competitive energy supply for our customers, supporting the development of the country’s energy sector.”
The La Joya complex already hosts the San Martín solar project, which has been operational since 2025 and is claimed to be Peru’s largest solar installation, with a capacity of 300MW. An additional 125MW project is also under way within the complex.
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By GlobalDataA total of 394,000 bifacial solar panels will be installed, and the facility is expected to begin commercial operations in the first half of 2027.
Construction of the project is expected to create more than 500 jobs, largely sourced from the local workforce.
Once completed, the facility will generate renewable energy to power around 350,000 homes across Peru.
This initiative will contribute to reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing the security of the national electricity grid.
Zelestra Latin America CEO José Luis García Pérez said: “Peru is a key market for Zelestra in the region.
“Babilonia reflects our long-term commitment to developing large-scale, reliable and high-performance projects that generate value for our customers, drive the energy transition and contribute to the economic and social development of the communities where we operate.”
Earlier this month, Zelestra and Meta signed a new PPA for the Skull Creek Solar Plant in Texas, US, expanding their clean energy partnership.
