Planned to be built near Sierra Gorda, in the Antofagasta region, the project will feature a 110MW solar thermal electricity (STE) facility with tower technology and a 100MW photovoltaic (PV) plant.
The STE’s energy storage system is capable of generating energy for 15 hours without direct solar radiation.
Abengoa expects to begin construction within the next two months. The company is also building the Atacama 1 solar complex in the same region.
Atacama 1 will feature the first solar thermal electricity power plant in Latin America, with 17.5 hours of thermal storage, and a 100 MW PV plant.
Both Atacama 1 and Atacama 2 plants will feature a management system for the energy generated by both solar thermal electric and PV technologies.
Abengoa said it marks a new step forward for the integration of renewable energy sources in the grid.
The average electricity demand in Chile has increased between 5% and 6% annually on the country’s main transmission networks since 1998.
Chile’s electricity demand is estimated to reach 5.4% to 6.4% annual growth through 2022.
Abengoa has been operating in Chile since 1987. The company undertook several projects for mining firms, electrical industry, communications and industrial sectors.
Image: The Atacama 2 solar project in Chile will feature a 110MW solar thermal electricity facility and a 100MW photovoltaic plant. Photo: courtesy of Naypong/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
