In 2013 the Atacama 1 solar complex was proposed as a 110 MW electric plant (the first in Latin America) and a 100 MW photovoltaic plant. The solar thermal plant will include 17.5 hours of . These technologies complement each other to supply clean and stable energy 24 hours a day. The complex is located in the commune of María Elena, Segund. Multinational assurance and risk management provider DNV has helped renewable energy leader Zelestra secure close to $300 million to channel towards the development of a massive solar facility in Chile, known as the Aurora project.
[pdf] In 2017, the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels of between 1 kWp and 5 kWp in Chile cost an average of US$2,326 per kWp; today, that same infrastructure costs around US$1,639 per kWp, a drop of 29.5%.
[pdf] By combining grid-connected storage, clean energy optimization, and strong ESG compliance, the project aligns with Chile’s national Energy 2050 plan and strengthens the country’s climate resilience and renewable energy infrastructure.
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