Overview
LALACKAMA is a 71.5 MW solar PV plant located in the Antofagasta Region of Chile. It is operational and contributes to Chile's growing renewable energy capacity.
LALACKAMA is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile, one of the world's best areas for solar energy due to high solar irradiance. With a capacity of 71.5 MW, it is a medium-to-large scale solar facility that supports Chile's ambitious renewable energy targets. The plant 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 is the dominant technology in Chile's renewable mix, benefiting from the Atacama Desert's exceptional solar resource. The plant uses standard PV panels and inverters to convert sunlight into electricity, which is fed into the national grid. LALACKAMA plays a role in diversifying Chile's energy matrix and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Its location in the Antofagasta Region, a mining hub, helps supply clean energy to industrial consumers. The plant also contributes to local job creation and supports Chile's goal of becoming a renewable energy leader in Latin America.
Environmental context
The Antofagasta Region features the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, with extremely high solar radiation. Solar PV plants like LALACKAMA have a low environmental footprint compared to fossil fuels, but require land use and water for panel cleaning. The region's arid ecosystem is sensitive to disturbance, so careful siting and dust management are important. The plant helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution in a mining-intensive area.
Frequently asked questions
LALACKAMA is located in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile, near the city of Antofagasta, in the Atacama Desert.
LALACKAMA has a capacity of 71.5 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-to-large scale solar PV facility.
LALACKAMA uses solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, which converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor panels.
Chile aims to generate 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, supported by its National Energy Policy.
LALACKAMA feeds solar electricity into Chile's national grid, helping to supply clean energy to the Antofagasta Region, which has high demand from mining operations.