$66 Million Solar Park Environmental Declaration Approved in Coquimbo Region
The Coquimbo region continues to bolster its renewable energy investment portfolio with yet another milestone approval. The Regional Environmental Assessment Commission, led by regional presidential delegate Galo Luna, has given the green light to the environmental impact statement for a solar park set to be constructed in the municipality of Coquimbo.
Introducing the Chirihue Solar Project, a $66 million investment endeavor, envisaging the construction and operation of a 24 MW capacity solar park, housing approximately 37,000 photovoltaic panels. Additionally, it will incorporate six battery units capable of injecting 9 MW of power both day and night, along with a 15 kV medium voltage evacuation line to seamlessly integrate energy into the National Electric System (SEN).
Expected to generate around 50 GWh/year, this project will occupy a 20-hectare area in the Las Barrancas sector and is estimated to create up to 40 job opportunities during its construction phase.
Galo Luna, the regional presidential delegate, emphasized, "Our region boasts optimal conditions for sustainable energy projects. Therefore, the approval of this solar park is excellent news as it aligns with our government's vision of promoting sustainability and reducing carbon usage in energy generation."
María Castillo Rojas, the Energy Regional Secretary, added, "The Chirihue photovoltaic park, with a $66 million investment and anticipated creation of 40 jobs during construction, has been approved by the Environmental Assessment Commission. This project will significantly contribute to injecting renewable energy into the energy matrix, supporting our country's carbon neutrality goals and combating climate change."
Since 2022, seven electricity generation initiatives have been approved in the Coquimbo Region, totaling 661 MW of future installed capacity and $748 million in investment. These endeavors will play a pivotal role in cleaning up the energy matrix and supporting the Decarbonization Plan led by the Ministry of Energy.
