4.1 GW utility scale solar to come online in Brazil by 2022: According to Utility Scale PV Market 2021 Brazil Strategy Report of market consultancy Greener, around 4.1 GW of utility scale solar capacity is likely to become operational in Latin America's largest solar market by 2022. Up to January 2021, it estimated more than 8.4 GW of power purchase agreements (PPA) were signed. Greener believes of the 4.6 GW PV projects intended for the regulated market, around 1.2 GW are still in the construction phase or are yet to start construction. It claims 100% contracts mapped in 2020, for both regulated market (ACR) and free/unregulated market (ACL), will use bifacial modules, while around 66% of contracts, it mapped in 2020/2021, will use string inverters. Major demand for free market solar PV energy generation is coming from mining and chemical industries in Brazil, according to the report.
Enel Green Power gets clearance for 404 MW in Chile: Enel Green Power (EGP) has secured environmental approval for its 404 MW Sierra Gorda Solar Plant in Chile, local media reported. To be built for an estimated $400 million, the project will be located in Antofagasta region. Construction on the project is expected to start in June 2021 for which the company is contemplating using 897,778 bifacial polycrystalline solar panels each with a maximum output of 450W. EGP had applied for environmental approval for the project in July 2019 (see Enel Green Power Planning 404 MW PV Project In Chile).
Sonnedix adds 6 MW solar capacity in Chile: Sonnedix has energized 2 solar power plants in Chile in with a combined capacity of 6 MW. Both ground mounted solar facilities of 3 MW each in Metropolitan region and O'Higgins region, were built by EPC contractor CAF Turnkey and Engineering that chose to deploy bifacial solar modules for these projects. Together, these facilities will generate close to 12,801 MWh annually. The company now has 15 operational solar plants in Chile representing a total capacity of 235 MW, along with more than 170 MW in its development pipeline.