SEA approved the environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the María Elena 400MW concentrated solar power (CSP) project.
SEA approved the environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the María Elena 400MW concentrated solar power (CSP) project. The project includes the phased construction of four 100MW receptor towers over a five-year period for an estimated total cost of US$3.29bn, Chile’s energy ministry said in a press release.
María Elena will be built on 2,897ha and will have a 35-year life expectancy. "This is the second CSP plant approved in the northern power grid as well as the second in Chile," Antofagasta regional governor Pablo Toloza said.
"This type of initiative highlights the Atacama desert and Antofagasta region’s importance in developing this technology."
In a separate initiative Seremi granted renewable energy firm Element Power Chile four Atacama desert land concessions measuring between 167-200ha, an Antofagasta government press release said.
Under the terms, Element Power Chile is entitled to use the land for 30 years while developing solar projects expected to generate a total of 120MW.
