Overview
Termoelectrica Angamos 1 (ANG1) and 2 (ANG2) is a 488.3 MW coal-fired power plant in Antofagasta, Chile. Operated by Angamos, it is a key asset in the country's energy grid.
Termoelectrica Angamos 1 (ANG1) and 2 (ANG2) is a coal-fired power plant located near Mejillones, Antofagasta Region, Chile. With a total capacity of 488.3 MW, it ranks as a medium-to-large facility within Chile's coal power fleet. The plant is owned and operated by Angamos and has been in operational status, contributing to the country's baseload electricity supply. The plant operates under Chile's environmental regulations, which include emissions standards for SOx, NOx, and particulate matter, aligned with the country's commitment to the Paris Agreement. As a coal-fired facility, it uses subcritical technology typical of older plants in the region. The plant's capacity factor and specific emissions data are not publicly detailed, but coal plants in Chile generally face increasing regulatory pressure to reduce their carbon footprint. Termoelectrica Angamos plays a significant role in supplying power to the mining-intensive Antofagasta region, which has high electricity demand. Its location near the coast facilitates fuel import and cooling water access. The plant's environmental impact is a subject of local concern due to air emissions and proximity to populated areas, though it remains a critical component of Chile's energy security.
Environmental context
The plant's coal combustion releases CO2, SOx, NOx, and particulate matter, contributing to local air quality issues in the Antofagasta region. Its proximity to the coast and urban areas raises concerns about health impacts and marine ecosystem effects from cooling water discharge. Chile's evolving energy policies, including a carbon tax and renewable energy targets, create a challenging regulatory environment for coal-fired generation.
Frequently asked questions
Termoelectrica Angamos is located near Mejillones in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile, along the Pacific coast.
The plant has a total installed capacity of 488.3 MW, generated from two coal-fired units.
The plant is owned and operated by Angamos, a Chilean energy company.
Coal plants in Chile must comply with emissions standards for SOx, NOx, and particulate matter under the country's environmental law, and face a carbon tax under the Green Tax reform.
Coal power historically provided a significant share of Chile's electricity, especially for mining regions, but the country is transitioning toward renewable energy sources like solar and wind.