First CSP plant in Latin America to provide 100% renewable energy inaugurated in Chile
EIG Global Energy Partners, a leading institutional investor to the global energy sector headquartered in Washington, D.C. announced the inauguration of the Cerro Dominador solar complex in Chile’s Atacama Desert following a successful synchronization with the Chilean National Electrical System.
Cerro Dominador, which is wholly owned by funds managed by EIG, comprises a 110 MW CSP plant and a contiguous 100 MW photovoltaic (PV) plant that has been operational since 2017.
The CSP plant, constructed by a consortium led by ACCIONA, with Abengoa as the constructor and technology partner, runs on cutting-edge technology that uses solar energy to heat molten salt, which is then stored in large tanks to be used to generate electricity through a steam turbine and it is the first solar thermal plant in Latin America with 17.5 hours of thermal storage thereby enabling the production of 100% renewable energy 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
The solar complex can offset approximately 640,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year and generate enough energy to power approximately 380,000 homes.
R. Blair Thomas, Chairman & CEO of EIG, said:
“We are proud to support this groundbreaking project, which will provide the Chilean national grid with flexible, safe and reliable renewable energy and contribute meaningfully to reducing CO2 emissions in Chile. The project is fully aligned with our ESG goals and priorities and is helping to lay the groundwork for a low carbon future through the production of clean, reliable and cost-effective energy. We are committed to continued investment in future CSP projects in Chile and other parts of the world.”
Source: Press Release by EIG. Photo credit: © Cerro Dominador.
