Overview
Boléro is a 146.5 MW solar PV facility located in Chile's Antofagasta region. It is operational and contributes to the country's renewable energy capacity.
Boléro is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in the Antofagasta region of Chile, one of the world's premier areas for solar energy due to its high solar irradiance. With a capacity of 146.5 MW, it is a medium-to-large scale solar facility that supports Chile's growing renewable energy portfolio. The plant operates under Chile's renewable energy regulatory framework, which includes a target of 70% renewable electricity by 2030 and 100% by 2050. Solar PV technology is well-suited to the Atacama Desert's arid climate, where Boléro benefits from consistent sunlight. The facility uses standard photovoltaic panels to convert sunlight into electricity, which is fed into the national grid. Environmentally, Boléro contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based generation. The solar PV sector in Chile has minimal water usage and low operational emissions, though land use and visual impact are considerations. The plant supports local energy security and aligns with national decarbonization goals.
Environmental context
The Antofagasta region features the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, with extremely high solar radiation. This makes it ideal for solar PV, but the desert ecosystem is fragile. Solar installations require careful land management to minimize disturbance to local flora and fauna. The region's mining industry also benefits from renewable energy to reduce its carbon footprint.
Frequently asked questions
Boléro is located in the Antofagasta region of Chile, in the Atacama Desert, one of the sunniest places on Earth.
Boléro has a capacity of 146.5 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-to-large scale solar PV facility.
The operator of Boléro is not publicly listed, but it is part of Chile's growing renewable energy infrastructure.
Chile aims to generate 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and 100% by 2050, supported by policies like the Renewable Energy Law.
Solar PV reduces greenhouse gas emissions, uses minimal water, and leverages Chile's high solar irradiance, though land use and visual impacts must be managed.