- Sonnedix’s largest solar power plant with 170 MW capacity was officially inaugurated in Chile
- Enel Generacion to supply 72 GWh renewable energy to Chile’s Blumar Seafoods and subsidiaries
- Argentina has launched a tender for solar PV systems to be installed for 406 rural schools in 3 provinces
170 MW solar project inaugurated in Chile: Sonnedix’s 170 MW solar power plant in Chile has been officially inaugurated by the country’s President Sebastián Piñera, after it started commercial operations in February 2021. The Pica located project in Atacama desert is the company’s largest solar project that it owns. The $180 million project entered construction in June 2019 after achieving financial closure in May 2019. It is equipped with some 500,000 solar mono panels and 48 central inverters. The project is expected to generate close to 470 GWh of clean power annually. It takes the Holland- headquartered multi-national company’s total operational solar PV capacity in Chile to 12 projects representing 229 MW capacity. Sonnedix said it plans to further expand in the country as it has a pipeline of over 700 MW at various stages of development.
Clean energy for Blumar Seafoods: Chilean aquaculture company Blumar Seafoods and its subsidiaries PacificBlu, St. Andrews and Frio Pacifico have signed an energy contract with Enel Generacion to supply around 72 GWh of clean energy annually for 4 years. Enel was picked after it won a competitive bidding process concluded by Blumar Seafoods. Under the agreement signed, Enel will supply energy from wind, solar, geothermal or hydraulic sources. It will enable the procurers to operate their fishing and salmon farming business sustainably as they get a green seal and certification.
Argentina solar tender for schools: The Argentinian Ministry of Energy has announced 2 tenders through the country’s official gazette to have solar panels installed for rural schools in 3 provinces of Salta, Santiago del Estero and La Pampa. The bids are part of the country’s Renewable Energy Project in Rural Markets (PERMER). Under this, winners will be expected to supply, install and commission solar PV systems for 406 educational institutions which will enable to improve the quality of education for thousands of children in isolated rural regions, while also improving electricity access and connectivity in these regions. The PERMER project, according to the ministry, promotes social inclusion and socio-economic development of people in rural areas across the country. Last date to submit bids is May 10, 2021. Details of the tender can be viewed on the government’s website.
