Solarcentury delivers multi-megawatt solar project in Chile
Energía Cerro El Morado S.A. selected Solarcentury to design and build the ‘Doña Carmen’ solar project in La Ligua, the Valparaiso region of central Chile. The sizeable 40MWp system will produce enough energy to power the equivalent of 21,600 homes and will offset 22,490 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Energía Cerro El Morado S.A, an electricity generation company and SPV of an asset management fund interested in power generation projects, was successful in the Chilean government’s energy auction in 2013. The company selected Solarcentury as the EPC (engineer, procure, construct) for the Doña Carmen solar park, and to undertake the operations and maintenance of the site for five years.
The Doña Carmen project is structured as a power purchase agreement (PPA) over 15 years, to supply several distribution companies in Chile; 60% of solar energy generated by the solar system will be sold under this PPA agreement, and 40% will be sold to the spot market.
Energía Cerro El Morado S.A. commented, “We have been very impressed by the Solarcentury team in Chile and its deep knowledge of the electrical market, and extensive knowledge of developing solar projects in Chile. Solarcentury has demonstrated solid commitment from the start in working with us to make the Doña Carmen project a success. Solarcentury’s competitive pricing, proven track record over almost 20 years of building solar projects at scale, and extensive EPC experience, motivated us to work with them.”
The Doña Carmen project follows the success of the ‘Divisa Solar’ solar farm in Panama built by Solarcentury in 2015. Further, in Mexico’s first energy auction earlier this year, Solarcentury partnered with JinkoSolar to develop 170MW AC of ground mount solar projects in the country. Also, Solarcentury has been ranked as the number one EPC in the UK, marking it as an industry leader, skilled at delivering utility scale solar projects. In the UK, this includes the 48MWp Southwick solar park project and the 40MWp Cowdown solar park.
Enrique de Ramon, Managing Director of Solarcentury Latin America said, “The successful completion and connection of the Doña Carmen project mark another important milestone in the growth of Solarcentury in Latin America. I’m very proud of the huge efforts made by all of my experienced and expert team over the last six months, working with our partners to deliver a first class solar park on time, in often challenging conditions.”
Frans van den Heuvel, CEO at Solarcentury commented, “Chile is the leading solar market in South America so we faced stiff competition for this project, however the Solarcentury team was fully committed to ensuring a successful outcome for all contract negotiations. We have been focused throughout on delivering a successful solar project for Energía Cerro El Morado S.A., meeting all target deadlines. Through our three offices in in Latin America, and with backing from the parent company in London, Solarcentury has establised a solid presence in Latin America. We are well positioned to deliver further sizeable solar projects in the region.”
Construction started in November 2016 and connection took place in May 2017.
Image Source: SolarCentury