In the Atacama desert in northern Chile, China Power Construction Group completed the construction of a photovoltaic power plant. With a capacity of 480 MW, the power station exceeds the power plant 398 MW of Guanchoi, which makes it the largest photovoltaic power plant in Chile. It can also be connected to national electrical network.
Chilean electrical system
The Chilean electrical system connects various energy sources. These include hydroelectricity, wind, photovoltaic energy, natural gas and coal.
The Chilean electrical system is decentralized. There are a total of four separate electrical systems. This is the central interconnected system (SIC) in the central region, of the Northern Interconnected System (SING) in the northern desert region, of the AYSEN system and the Magallanes system. The central interconnection system represents 75 % of the total capacity installed, especially because the central region houses the majority of the population.
In 2019, The North Chilean network (SING) and the southern network (SIC) have been connected in a single synchronized network.
Hydroelectricity is the main source of electricity in the Chilean network. However, Periodic droughts cause instability in electricity supply. Chile has deserts, ribs and waterfalls. It has an abundance of natural resources that lend themselves well to the development of clean energy.
In recent years, Chile has made great efforts to develop clean energy projects. At the end of the year 2021, Chile ranked 22nd in the world in terms of capacity solar energy installed and 28th in the world in terms of winding energy capacity installed.
Photovoltaic development in Chile
In 2004, Argentina has reduced its natural gas exports to Chile, triggering an energy crisis. Drought, This crisis has led to the instability of hydroelectric energy production. The Chilean government has made great efforts to develop the photovoltaic industry. In 2016, Chile's photovoltaic production has reached 1GW. It is the first country in Latin America to reach a photovoltaic production of 1GW.
Chile has significant solar energy resources, Especially in the Atacama Desert, in the north of the country. This is one of the driest and hottest regions in the world. Many solar power plants are built in various regions to develop the production of photovoltaic energy.
El Romero photovoltaic center
The El Romero photovoltaic power plant is located in the Atacama desert and has been put into service 2016. Covering an area of 280 hectares, The project installed a total of 770 000 Polycrystalline photovoltaic modules. The peak capacity reaches 246 MW. She can power 200 000 households.
Nord Centrale
The Luz North power station covers an area of 478 hectares. She uses thin -layer photovoltaic technology and has a capacity to 141 MW. 180 000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced each year.
Energy consumption by the mining industry
The mining industry is one of the pillars of the Chilean economy. According to USGS data, Chile represents 24 % global copper production. He is the largest copper producer in the world.
The mineral extraction process consumes a large amount of electricity to operate the equipment. Electricity demand represents half of the country's total electricity consumption. In 2021, copper extraction will consume 40 000 billions of watthers, or an increase in 91 %.
Parallel, The mining industry emits large amounts of carbon dioxide. To fight against these problems, The Chilean government encourages green energies.
Alfredo, Managing Director of Atlas Renewable Energy, explains that the mining industry must use more clean energy.
Government ecological objectives
Chile is rich in natural resources, such as the sun, Wind and water. These resources constitute the basis of the development of green energies. The government is confident in the Development of green energies. He plans that 70 % electricity comes from renewable sources by 2030 and that the country is neutral in carbon by 2050. Achieve a zero environmental impact.
By increasing the installed capacity of renewable energies such as wind energy, Solar and hydraulic, We will achieve these objectives.
Furthermore, The Chilean government encourages the development of electrical transport. Increase the share of new energy vehicles.
At the same time, The Chilean government has announced the closure of 28 Coal power plants in 2040. And vigorously constructs hydroelectric power plants, wind turbines and photovoltaic.
The development of green energies makes it possible to effectively alleviate the environmental problems caused by the mining industry. The use of clean energy considerably reduces the use of traditional fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions.
At the same time, The objectives of the Chilean government in the development of green energies will promote the development and modernization of related industries. This will result in high demand from the market and economic growth.
Chile has adopted a series of policies aimed at promoting the development of clean energies. Chile has become the first country to prohibit the use of plastic bags.
Development of photovoltaics in other countries of Latin America
Brazil
With 4 has 6 Hours of sunshine per day, Brazil has enormous potential for the development of photovoltaic energy. In 2020, In terms of installed capacity, Brazil reached 10 Gigawatts in solar energy, representing thus 40% of the capacity installed in Latin America. Many photovoltaic projects are under construction. Afterwards, the solar capacity installed will significantly increase. In 2023, The installed solar capacity of Brazil will reach 34 GW.
Peru
Peru has started to develop green energy in 2013. In 2018, The installed solar capacity of Peru has reached 345 MW. There is still 7 PV projects under construction, with an estimated capacity at 280 MW.
Argentine
Argentina has abundant light, which facilitates the development of photovoltaic energy. In 2021, The installed capacity of photovoltaic solar panels has reached 1060 megawatts. What's more, 58 solar projects have been submitted, promoting the development of the photovoltaic industry.
Conclusion
With technological innovation and industrial modernization, The demand for clean energy such as photovoltaic energy will continue to grow. And as the concept of green development is promoted worldwide, clean energy plays an important role in the market.
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