Close to the U.S.- Mexico border, the solar plant makes use of its arid and dry environment – being located in the Chihuahuan desert. The project is spread across 247 acres and is seen as a major development and advance in the state of Chihuahua and its efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change. Los Santos Solar I contributes to Mexico’s targets of having 50% of its electricity production coming from renewable, clean energy, by 2050, as well as its goals of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 50%.
The solar plant helps reduce the demand for electricity generated by fossil fuel plants, and by being solar-powered, the plant displaces harmful emissions. The anticipated environmental outcomes from Los Santos Solar I in its first year of operation were the displacement of 16,509 metric tons/year of carbon dioxide, as well as 57.6 metric tons/year of nitrogen oxides. This compares to removing 3,476 vehicles or supplying electricity to 12,000 homes.