Once completed, the Sonnedix Atacama Solar PV plant will generate approximately 470 GWh of clean electricity annually and avoid the emission of around 200,000 metric tons of CO2 per year compared with thermal generation. Among the largest solar power projects in Chile, the plant will generate enough electricity for more than 100,000 homes when operational.
The groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction was attended by Miguel Angel Quezada, Regional Mayor of Tarapacá; Iván Cheuquelaf, Project Manager at the Ministry of Energy; Axel Thiemann, CEO of Sonnedix; Carlos Guinand, Chairman of Sonnedix; Sergio del Campo, Sonnedix Director of Operations in Chile, and other local authority representatives.
With an investment of $180 million (€160 milllion), the renewable energy power plant will create around 400 direct jobs during the construction phase, providing opportunities for the residents of Pica and nearby communities. The Sonnedix Atacama Solar PV plant is expected to start commercial operation in December 2020.
Carlos Guinand, Chairman of Sonnedix, commented on the project, saying, “The start of construction of Sonnedix Atacama Solar marks an important day for Sonnedix and the beginning of a long-term commitment and partnership with the Tarapacá region and the local communities of Pica and Pozo Almonte. Being a good neighbour is key to Sonnedix achieving its goal of smartly transforming the sun’s power into clean energy.”
Present in Chile since 2015, Sonnedix currently has over 200 MW of utility scale solar pv projects in operation or construction and several hundred MW of capacity at various stages of development in the Chilean market.
