Olacapato took a historic step in energy matters by joining the Argentine Interconnection System (SADI), becoming the first locality in the Salta Puna to receive electricity supply from the national grid. The connection, enabled through the Cauchari Transformation Station in Jujuy, allows for the replacement of isolated diesel-based generation with a more stable, efficient, and sustainable scheme, with a direct impact on the community's quality of life and the region's productive development.
By Panorama Minero
The milestone was finalized on Friday, January 30, around 10:30 a.m., when the electricity supply from the national grid effectively began. In this way, Olacapato, the highest locality in Argentina at 4,100 meters above sea level, was formally interconnected to the SADI.
The commissioning represents the final stage of a planning and investment process that allowed for the substitution of the isolated generation system using diesel generator sets, historically used to supply the community. The new scheme guarantees greater reliability, continuity of service, and backup from the national electrical system, with the participation of renewable sources such as the Cauchari solar park.
Institutional Articulation and Social License
The work was possible through articulated work between EDESA S.A., Cauchari Solar, the Secretary of Energy of Jujuy, and the Directorate of Electric Energy of the Undersecretary of Energy of Salta, under the Secretary of Mining. To this institutional framework was added the participation of the Olacapato community, within the framework of the social license strategy promoted by the province to accompany the development of productive activities in the region. The financing was mostly provided by the Province of Salta, which contributed 84% of the investment, while the remaining 16% corresponded to the National State.
In addition to the social impact, the interconnection to the SADI generates key conditions for the development of mining and productive activity in the area. In this sense, it will allow for the supply of the company Manufactura de los Andes, of the Minera Santa Rita S.R.L. group, dedicated since 2007 to the production of boric acid in the area, and enables available capacity for the establishment of new private ventures in the Salta Puna.
Puna Integral Electrification Plan
The Secretary of Mining highlighted that the connection of Olacapato is part of the Puna Integral Electrification Plan, promoted by the Government of the Province of Salta. The program contemplates the progressive linking of communities to the SADI through new transformation stations, medium and high voltage lines, and the incorporation of renewable generation, with the objective of reducing dependence on fossil fuels and the costs associated with isolated generation.
From Diesel Generation to a Sustainable Scheme
Olacapato currently has 273 inhabitants, a number that increases temporarily during labor activity peaks linked to productive projects. Its location on the Andean plateau and historical connectivity limitations conditioned access to basic services for years.
Until now, Olacapato's electricity supply depended on diesel generator sets operated in an isolated manner, a scheme with restrictions in terms of available power, continuity of service, and operating costs. The new infrastructure enables its integration into the national electrical system and its future linking with the La Puna Transformation Station, establishing the foundations for a more reliable, scalable supply with greater environmental efficiency.
Authorities indicated that, in addition to the technical impact, the work constitutes a strategic intervention with social and productive effects, by eliminating historical restrictions for the community and generating conditions for more sustainable mining and local development in the Salta Puna.
