Construction works begin at 62 MW solar PV project in Chile

ACCIONA Energía has begun the construction of the Almeyda solar plant in the Atacama region to support the electricity supply contract signed with the National Mining Company (ENAMI).

Located in the municipalities of Chañaral and Diego de Almagro, 17 kilometers from the latter, the Almeyda solar plant will have a peak capacity of 62.1 MWp (54.2 MW rated) and an emission-free annual electricity generation capacity estimated at 167.5 gigawatt-hours (GWh), equivalent to the electricity demand of around 80,000 Chilean households.

The photovoltaic plant will be equipped with 187,620 modules (panels) mounted on horizontal tracking structures. It will cover 150 hectares in an area with one of the highest levels of solar radiation in the world, the Atacama Desert. The plant is expected to be completed by the end of 2019.

The Almeyda photovoltaic facility will create 500 jobs in the busiest phase of its construction. Following its entry into service, the new plant will avoid the emission of around 162,000 equivalent tonnes of CO2 from coal-fired power stations every year.