The president of Chili, Gabriel Boricparticipated this Wednesday in the inauguration of the Gran Teno photovoltaic plant in the Maule region, 180 kilometers south of Santiago, an energy project that is part of the decarbonization plan of the South American country and will provide energy to 136,000 homes.
“This project shows that it is not only necessary, but that it is possible to move towards a cleaner and more sustainable future to the extent that all actors commit to it (…) We have the material conditions to take a leap forward (. ..) We have managed, with a long-term perspective, with different governments, to be world leaders. “We are proud, but not calm, because we have to continue working,” the president stated.
In total, after a construction process that lasted about 10 months, the plant will have 367,000 solar panels to provide energy to the Maule region, avoiding the emission of 147 thousand tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year, according to the authority.
In this area, Boric highlighted Chile’s role in renewable energy at a global level and highlighted that “was rated as the most attractive country to invest in Latin America in renewable energy and one of the 15 most attractive in the world. That is shown with this investment and is enhanced by the investment they are making in Atacama.”
The Minister of Economy, Nicolás Grau, also present at the event, pointed out that the Government seeks to “multiply and scale” projects similar to the one in Teno.
“This is an important investment for the Maule Region, which will deliver clean, low-cost energy. Our main task this year is to accelerate investment so that more projects like this can materialize.”added the Secretary of State.
Along the same lines, the CEO of the company in charge of the project, David Ruiz de Andrés, stated that “This milestone is another example” from his “decided commitment to Chile.”
“We have already invested more than US$700 million in the country, to which another US$1.4 billion will be added for the development of Oasis de Atacama. “It is the largest battery in the world and will provide 4.1 GWh of green energy storage to transform the Chilean energy matrix and promote sustainable development.”said Ruiz de Andrés.
According to data from the Chilean Government, in September 2022, for the first time in the country’s history, the sum of the annual share of generation based on solar and wind energy exceeded the contribution of coal. In January of this year, in addition, the generation of electrical energy from non-conventional renewable energies reached 42.6%an increase of one 11.6% compared to January 2023.
The advantageous geographical position, weather conditions and competitive production of solar and wind energy, among other elements, place Chile as one of the most relevant countries in terms of the development of renewable energy that contributes to global decarbonization.
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Source: Gestion
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