Pattern Energy Group (Pattern Development) has secured the required financing and started construction of its 122MW Conejo Solar photovoltaic (PV) power project in Chile.
The company has secured about $205m in project financing. The facility, which is being built about 30km east of Taltal in Chile’s Atacama Desert, is expected to be completed next summer.
It is situated on public lands owned by the government of Chile, and is under a long-term concession.
Minera Los Pelambres, an affiliate of Antofagasta Minerals, has agreed to buy about 65% of the project’s power generation under a 22-year deal.
After completion, the project will connect to the Sistema Interconectado Central transmission system.
The facility is part of the identified Right of First Offer list of Pattern Development’s affiliate Pattern Energy.
Pattern Development president and CEO Mike Garland said: "Conejo Solar was originated by Pattern Development, demonstrating that solar power is an excellent fit with our wind business that allows us to leverage our extensive development expertise.
"In addition to our El Arrayán wind facility, the largest in Chile, we now have a strong platform and an exciting pipeline of projects for future growth in the country. When combined with our recent Japanese solar project additions, we are making a significant step to diversify into solar on a global basis."
Pattern Development has 4.5GW of wind, solar, and various transmission projects in development.
The worldwide footprint of the company currently spans the US, Canada, Mexico, Chile and Japan.
Image: The Conejo Solar PV power project will connect to the Sistema Interconectado Central transmission system. Photo: courtesy of Naypong/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.