DIESEL ZOFRI (ZOFRI 1-6_ZOFRI 1-5) - 6.06 MW Diesel Power Plant in Iquique, Chile

DIESEL ZOFRI (ZOFRI 1-6_ZOFRI 1-5) is a diesel-fired power plant located in Iquique, Tarapacá Region, Chile. With a capacity of 6.06 MW, it is a small-scale facility designed to support the energy needs of the Zona Franca de Iquique (ZOFRI), a major free trade zone in northern Chile. The plant is owned and operated by ENORCHILE and is currently operational. As a diesel power plant, it operates using oil as its primary fuel. Diesel plants are known for their flexibility and ability to provide quick-start power, making them suitable for peak load or backup generation. In Chile, such facilities are subject to national environmental regulations, including emission standards set by the Ministry of the Environment (Ministerio del Medio Ambiente). The plant's technology is typical for small-scale diesel generation, which often involves reciprocating engines. The plant plays a key role in ensuring reliable electricity supply to the ZOFRI free trade zone, a critical economic hub for the region. Its location in the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, means that water usage for cooling is minimal, reducing local environmental impact. However, diesel combustion emits CO2, SOx, and NOx, contributing to local air quality considerations.

The plant is situated in the Atacama Desert near Iquique, an area with low precipitation and high solar radiation. Diesel combustion releases CO2, SOx, and NOx, which can affect local air quality. The facility's small capacity and role as a backup or peak-load plant may limit its overall emissions compared to larger baseload plants. Proximity to the ZOFRI free trade zone and urban areas requires adherence to Chilean emission standards to minimize health impacts.