Chilean government proposes solar FIT cut for distributed generation
A coalition of three renewables associations in Chile have released a joint statement expressing “deep concern and opposition” to the Chilean government’s proposals to reduce income for distributed generation.
Chile boasts 3,962 MW of PV under construction
There are currently more than 3.9 GW of photovoltaic power under construction in the country. Nearly 70% of Chile’s electricity generation in June was renewable, and solar energy accounted for 15% of monthly generation.
Enel Chile begins commercial operation of its largest hybrid project in the country
The PFV Las Salinas stages 1, 2 and 3, which totals 205 MW, will operate jointly with the 112 MW Sierra Gorda Este wind farm and will be the largest industrial-scale hybrid renewable generation center in the country, according to Enel.
PV installation triggers border dispute between Chile and Argentina
Chilean President Gabriel Boric complained that the solar array installed on a military base in Argentine Patagonia were located three meters inside Chilean territory. “They must remove those solar panels as soon as possible or we are going to do it,” he warned. The Argentine government recognized the error.
Colbún proposes 800 MW desalinated water-powered pumped storage project in Chile
Chilean utility Colbún has unveiled plans for a massive pumped storage hydropower project in northern Chile. The facility will use desalinated water from the Pacific Ocean to store energy and use it when it’s most needed.
Chilean copper miner Codelco assigns 1.8 TWh/year in renewables auction
Colbún, Atlas Renewable Energy, and Innergex were the winners of National Copper Corporation of Chile’s (Codelco) latest procurement exercise. They secured 15-year power purchase agreements (PPAs) to supply clean power from 2026.
Chile approves plan to allocate public land for energy storage projects
A new initiative by the Chilean Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of National Assets is expected to cover storage projects with an aggregate capacity of 13 GWh, distributed mainly in the regions from Arica y Parinacota to Atacama.
Chile’s largest solar farm goes online
Enel Green Power has switched on the 398 MW Guanchoi solar plant in Chile’s Atacama region.
Assessing the future PV potential of the world’s sunniest region
Researchers in Spain have investigated how climate change may possibly impact solar power generation in the world’s region with the highest solar radiation levels – the Atacama desert in northern Chile. They found that, although global warming has the potential to impact solar power generation in the Atacama region, the desert will still retain exceptional conditions for solar power production.
Chile releases bidding terms for 5,400 GWh renewables, storage auction
The Chilean authorities want to contract 5,400 GWh of power from renewable energy, while also including battery storage. The selected developers will secure 20-year power purchase agreements (PPAs).
