2nd renewable energy auction in Colombia: The Colombian Ministry of Mines and Energy has confirmed the country will hold its 2nd renewable energy auction latest by October 31, 2021, according to BNAmericas. The government expects to attract 5.8 GW project capacity and investments worth $6.8 billion. It has published a draft resolution for stakeholder consultation that specifies winning projects will be eligible for 15-year power purchase agreements (PPA) and need to come online by December 1, 2022. The draft is open for consultation till May 4, 2021.
In December 2020, Colombian President Ivan Duque said his country will hold its 2nd renewable energy auction in Q1/2021, with 5 GW of wind and solar energy projects (see Colombia Planning 5 GW RE Auction In Q1/2021). Previously, Colombia awarded a total of 2.8 GW capacity in the 1st renewable energy auction of the South American country, and in a Reliability Charge Auction.
Chilean grape producer procuring renewable energy: Spain's Acciona has signed a long term electricity supply contract with Garces Fruit of Chile to supply the fruit producer with 100% renewable energy from solar and wind power plants. Clean energy supplied will power Garces Gruit's fruit processing plants in the communes of Molina in Maule, and Mostazal regions in O'Higgins. In Chile, Acciona has an installed capacity of 684 MW of wind and solar PV projects, along with a 238 MW solar plant under construction in Atacama region. In the 1st week of April 2021, Chilean telecom operator Movistar Chile signed up to source 100% renewable energy from 684 MW capacity of Acciona (see Acciona Secures Renewable Energy PPA For 684 MW).
100% renewable energy for British miner in South America: British mining company Anglo American has announced it has secured 100% renewable energy for all its operations in Brazil, Chile and Peru to meet the power requirements of its iron ore, nickel and copper mines. Solar power includes the clean energy mix for its Brazilian and Chilean operations. "Our sourcing of only renewable energy to power our operations across South America marks another step towards our 2030 GHG reduction target of 30% that is embedded in our Sustainable Mining Plan and towards our commitment to be carbon neutral across our global operational footprint by 2040," said Anglo American's Group Director of Corporate Relations and Sustainable Impact, Anil Michaud.