First Solar's 141 megawatt (MW)AC Luz del Norte photovoltaic (PV) power plant is the world’s first known utility-scale solar facility licensed to deliver ancillary grid services commercially. Chile’s independent system operator (ISO), Coordinador Eléctrico Nacional, has added Luz del Norte to its portfolio of large-scale power generators that are approved to deliver a range of grid services, including automatic generation control (AGC).
The facility, located in Copiapó, Chile, is now being used by the ISO to manage the frequency of the country’s electricity system, helping ensure the grid’s reliability and stability, in addition to generating clean, renewable energy.
Commissioned in 2016, Luz del Norte is one of the largest PV plants in Chile. Powered by First Solar’s thin film module technology, the facility generates enough electricity to power 50,000 average Chilean homes with the lowest carbon footprint and no water use.
Country updates
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August 21, 2020
AES Gener to invest US$750m in renewable hybrid project in Chile
AES Gener has filed an Environmental Assessment System (EIS) for its Parque Terra Energía Renovable project in Chile. The 863 MW proposal is a combination of photovoltaic, wind, and battery ene...
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August 21, 2020
Engie submits environmental impact statement for 204.6 MW Vientos del Loa wind project in Calama
ENGIE Energía Chile has submitted an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to update the capacity of the Vientos del Loa wind farm, going from the 126.5 MW already admitted to a total capacity o...
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August 17, 2020
OPDEnergy finalizes financing for two Chilean renewable projects
OPDEnergy has concluded a financing value of US$103 million for its two renewable assets projects in Chile. Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) has granted the financing to Opdenergy. The fund...
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July 31, 2020
Sonnedix, Collahuasi sign PPA for 170 MWp Sonnedix Atacama Solar PV plant in Pica
Sonnedix and Collahuasi, the second largest copper mining operation in Chile, have signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) for the delivery of 150 GWh per year. The PPA is for a 24/7 supply...
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July 28, 2020
Siemens Gamesa to supply turbines for 110 MW Cabo Leones III Wind Project in Atacama
Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy has secured a new order from Ibereólica Renovables to supply 110 MW capacity for the second phase of Cabo Leones III wind park, in Chile. The company will delive...
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