CHILOE Diesel Power Plant: 9 MW Facility in Chiloé, Chile

CHILOE is a diesel power plant located in the Chiloé region of Chile, operated by ELEKTRAGEN. With a capacity of 9 MW, it is a small-scale facility that contributes to the local power supply in this remote area. The plant operates on oil as its primary fuel, typical for diesel power plants in isolated regions where grid connectivity is limited. Chile's energy sector is regulated by the Ministry of Energy and the National Energy Commission (CNE), with environmental oversight from the Environmental Evaluation Service (SEA). Diesel plants like CHILOE are subject to emission standards under Chile's environmental regulations, including Decreto Supremo N° 13 for thermal power plants. As a small-scale facility, CHILOE plays a role in ensuring energy reliability for the Chiloé archipelago, which is not connected to the main national grid (SING or SIC). Its operation supports local communities and economic activities, though its diesel-based generation contributes to local air emissions and greenhouse gases.

The CHILOE plant uses oil as fuel, resulting in CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions typical of diesel power generation. Its location in the Chiloé region, a coastal area with sensitive ecosystems, means emissions may impact local air quality. The plant's small capacity (9 MW) limits its overall environmental footprint compared to larger facilities, but its operation in an isolated grid underscores the trade-off between energy access and environmental impact.