The solar plant, located in the commune of Pica (Atacama Desert), began construction work in June 2019. On 30th January, 2021, Sonnedix Atacama started injecting energy into the Chilean National Electric System.
“This is a big milestone for Sonnedix, and an important step to expand the use of solar in Chile, and worldwide” said Axel Thiemann, CEO of Sonnedix. “Sonnedix Atacama, our largest solar plant to date, represents the efforts of a purpose-driven team, working relentlessly throughout a difficult year as 2020 has been, with one goal in mind: to deliver a constant and reliable source of clean electricity to our communities, helping build a bright future for the next generations. We celebrate the resilience of our team members and partners working in this project and playing a key role in helping Chile meet its renewable power targets”.
Sergio del Campo, Representative Director of Sonnedix Chile, added that Sonnedix Atacama will generate around 470 GWh of clean electricity per year, powering more than 100,000 Chilean homes and that in addition to that, the project allows the company to fulfil its ‘social citizen’ role through initiatives like the Atacama Community Investment fund, supporting the economic development of communities funding business and initiatives aligned to the company’s ESG standards and practices.
Sonnedix partnered with Metka EGN as EPC contractor for the construction of the 450-hectare solar plant, while Transelec built the transmission facilities and will manage them during the entire lifetime of the park. The plant is powered by around half a million ultra-high efficiency Jinko Solar mono panels and 48 Power Electronics central inverters, all supported by Nextracker’s NX Horizon smart solar tracker.
Sonnedix Atacama holds a PPA with Collahuasi, Chile’s second largest private copper mining operation, for 24/7 supply of 100 percent renewable energy, highlighting Sonnedix’s strong commitment to ESG (Environment, Social, Governance).
Sonnedix has 11 solar PV plants in operation in Chile, where, in addition to the projects currently under construction, it controls a total capacity of almost 400 MW, plus an additional 750 MW portfolio of projects in different development stages.
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