Kruger Energy has announced plans to double the installed capacity of its Zacapa Solar facility in Rio Hondo, Guatemala, from 9 MW to 18 MW by 2028.
The expansion, which will add 20,000 new solar panels, was revealed during an official dedication ceremony held at the site.
The Zacapa Solar facility, located next to the GrandBay PAINSA tissue plant, was commissioned in 2022 and supplies power exclusively to the mill under a 35-year agreement. The site currently has 20,544 ground-mounted and rooftop solar panels, reducing the plant’s reliance on the grid by approximately 16 GWh annually. Upon completion of the expansion, the facility will generate 32.4 GWh of renewable energy per year.
Zacapa Solar has gained international recognition, earning Solar Builder’s Projects of the Year – Editor’s Choice Award in the Emissions Impact category. The project contributes significantly to Guatemala’s efforts to transition to sustainable energy sources.
The ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries, including His Excellency Olivier Jacques, Ambassador of Canada to Guatemala, and Jean Roy, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Kruger Energy. Ambassador Jacques highlighted the positive impact of Canadian investment on Guatemala’s economy and job creation, while Jean Roy emphasized Kruger Energy’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.
“By 2028, our expansion project will double Zacapa Solar’s capacity and bring us all a step further on our renewable energy journey,” said Jean Roy.
A business unit of Kruger Inc., Kruger Energy specializes in the development and management of renewable energy power plants. Including hydroelectric, wind, biomass cogeneration, and solar facilities, Kruger Inc. and Kruger Energy own and operate 47 production sites with a total installed capacity of 650 MW.
