Atlas Renewable Energy’s 244MWp Solar farm Begins Operation in Chile

Atlas Renewable Energy marks a new milestone on the road to the implementation of clean energy in Chile, with the operation of one of the largest solar plants in the country.

Sol del Desierto is located in the commune of María Elena, Antofagasta Region, and has a total capacity of 244 MWp. With 582,930 solar panels spread over 479 hectares, the plant will generate 714 GWh annually.

The solar project is an important part of Chile's Ministry of Energy's decarbonization plan, which seeks to retire and/or convert half of the coal-fired power plants by 2025.

The project, which has already started operations, has a long-term solar power purchase agreement (PPA) between Atlas Renewable Energy and Engie Energía Chile, agreeing to supply 550 GWh/year of solar photovoltaic energy for a period of 15 years. The plant's generation enables the supply of clean energy to 345,198 homes.

Sol del Desierto will avoid 368 thousand tons of carbon dioxide, which is equivalent to taking more than 47 thousand vehicles out of circulation per year.

The solar park also stands out for its efficiency. It was developed with bifacial technology, which allows energy to be obtained from the back and front faces of each of its solar modules.

The company's general manager for Chile, Alfredo Solar, explains that "at Atlas Renewable Energy we develop our projects with a strong commitment to the environment, the surroundings, and to inclusion. That is why Sol del Desierto stands out not only for its contribution to clean energy but also for the care of the surrounding nature, the conservation of archaeological sites, and above all for having placed special focus on the inclusion of female workforce in its construction".

Thus, the development of the plant fostered social and environmental responsibility programs, especially highlighting the work of Atlas and its employees with the community of Maria Elena, through various initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, inclusion, and local participation in the project.