Environmental approval for Atacama 2

2 June 2015


Abengoa has obtained a favourable environmental rating for Atacama 2, a 210 MW solar power plant located near Sierra Gorda, in the Antofagasta region of northern Chile. The complex will include a 110 MW solar thermal electricity power unit with tower technology that will incorporate a molten salt thermal energy storage system able to generate electricity for 15 hours without direct solar radiation. It will also include a 100 MW photovoltaic plant.

The Environmental Qualification Resolution from the Environmental Evaluation Service (SEA) took into account aspects such as land and water use, emissions reduction and the management of waste from the projects.
Construction of the complex is expected to start within the next two months. The design follows the Atacama 1 model currently under construction near Maria Elena, also in the Antofagasta region of Northern Chile. Atacama 1 will incorporate the first solar thermal electricity power plant in Latin America, with 17.5 hours of thermal storage. That complex will also have a 100 MW PV plant.

The approval of this second solar complex represents a significant advance for Abengoa in its long-term objective to be a major producer of energy in Chile. The company has been present in Chile since 1987. It has carried out numerous projects for mining companies, the electrical industry, communications and the industrial sector.



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