Overview
Carrera Pinto ENEL is a 135 MW operational solar PV facility in Chile. It contributes to the country's renewable energy capacity under national energy policies.
Carrera Pinto ENEL is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in the Atacama Region of Chile, one of the world's highest solar irradiation areas. With a capacity of 135 MW, it is a medium-to-large scale solar facility that supports Chile's growing renewable energy portfolio. The plant is operational and plays a key role in the country's energy transition. The facility operates under Chile's renewable energy regulatory framework, which includes a target of 70% renewable electricity by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. Solar PV technology in Chile benefits from high solar irradiance, particularly in the Atacama Desert, enabling high capacity factors. The plant's capacity of 135 MW places it among the significant solar installations in the region, contributing to grid stability and energy diversification. Environmentally, the plant occupies arid desert land with minimal competing land uses, reducing land-use conflicts. However, solar PV facilities in desert environments require water for panel cleaning, which can be a concern in water-scarce regions. The plant's operation displaces fossil fuel generation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting Chile's climate goals. Its location in a high-irradiance zone maximizes energy output per installed capacity.
Environmental context
The Atacama Desert, where Carrera Pinto ENEL is located, is one of the driest regions on Earth, with extremely high solar radiation. This makes it ideal for solar PV but also raises concerns about water use for panel cleaning and potential impacts on local ecosystems adapted to aridity. The facility's land use is low-impact due to the barren landscape, but careful siting is needed to avoid disrupting fragile desert habitats. Overall, the plant's environmental footprint is relatively low compared to other energy sources.
Frequently asked questions
Carrera Pinto ENEL is located in the Atacama Region of Chile, near the town of Carrera Pinto, in one of the world's highest solar irradiation areas.
Carrera Pinto ENEL has a capacity of 135 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-to-large scale solar photovoltaic facility.
The plant is operated by ENEL, a major global energy company, though specific operator details are not publicly listed.
Chile's renewable energy policy includes a target of 70% renewable electricity by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050, supported by net billing and renewable energy auctions.
Solar PV in the Atacama Desert benefits from high solar irradiance, maximizing energy output. It displaces fossil fuel generation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and has low land-use conflict due to the arid environment.