Colbun submits EIS for 980 MW wind in Chile

Colbún in Chile has submitted the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) for its Horizonte onshore wind project, located approximately 130 km from Talal in Antofagasta region. The project involves the development of a 980 MW wind park.

“The Horizonte project is an important step not only for our growth strategy through the development of renewable energies but also for the energy transition that our country is experiencing towards emissions-free energies,” said Colbún General Manager Thomas Keller.

According to the Chilean environmental evaluation service (Servicio de Evaluación Ambiental - SEA), the developer is expected to invest around USD 700 into the farm. 

Horizonte will be located on a plot of approximately 8 thousand hectares (19,768 acres), which is part of a reserve of fiscal land constituted by the State of Chile for the development of renewable energy generation projects in the municipality of Taltal.

The future wind farm includes an installed capacity of up to 980 MW, through the installation of 140 wind turbines, 7MW per unit. The company previously announced the farm will be 607 MW. In December 2019 Enercon has signed an exclusive deal with Colbun, potentially supply 132 units of the E-160 EP5 turbines for the 607 MW Horizonte .

The development of this project has included an early approach with the nearby communities, through a process of Early Citizen Participation, in order to inform them about the main characteristics and attributes of the work, allowing to gather concerns and opportunities for collaboration.