Chilean solar developer plans 50 MW in the Atacama Desert

[Judi Lynn]

Chilean solar developer plans 50 MW in the Atacama Desert

July, 2013: Chilean renewable energy project developer Inca de Varas SA has submitted a proposal to Chilean environmental authorities for a 50 MW PV power plant the company plans to build, own and operate in northern Chile.

The Inca de Varas I project has a required investment of $100 million and would be located in the municipality of Copiapo, in the Atacama region. Construction of the plant is scheduled to begin in early March 2014, pending approval.

The project includes the construction of a substation and a high voltage line connecting the project to the central power grid.

http://www.photon-international.com/news_archiv/details.aspx?cat=News_PI&sub=america&pub=4&parent=6294

(Short article, no more at link.)

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Atacama Desert, Chile[/center]

[sgtbenobo]

1. Hmmm let's see why this could never work in the U.S.

We have lots of Sun and technical ability. A work force eager to move in a positive direction. Should be a no-brainer. Oh but wait, we can't even consider doing anything like this because we have a governmental apparatus that enjoys gargling energy lobbyist semen.

Carry on.

[Cleita]

2. There is a small concern about disrupting the wildlife and delicate

ecosystems of our southwestern deserts. However, I don't think the solutions are out of reach if we do it right from the beginning.

[Cleita]

3. As a once former resident of the Atacama desert, that's a perfect place for solar and wind energy

too. But they need to go north of Copiapo. There are few ecosystems there. It's mostly empty space uninhabited by biological life forms. Electricity could be provided for much of South America. Hopefully, Chile will keep global energy companies out of it.