Overview
Quilapilún is an operational 117.4 MW solar PV facility in Chile, contributing to the country's renewable energy expansion under its national renewable energy targets.
Quilapilún is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in Chile, with an installed capacity of 117.4 megawatts. The facility is operational and plays a role in Chile's growing renewable energy sector, which benefits from high solar irradiance in the Atacama region. The plant's capacity of 117.4 MW places it in the medium-to-large scale for solar PV installations in Chile. Chile has set ambitious renewable energy goals, including a target of 70% renewable electricity by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. The country's regulatory framework supports solar energy through net billing and renewable energy auctions, fostering investment in utility-scale projects like Quilapilún. Environmentally, the Quilapilún solar PV plant contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based electricity. Solar PV installations in Chile typically have low water consumption and minimal operational emissions, though they require land use. The facility supports grid stability and helps meet growing electricity demand in the region.
Environmental context
Chile's solar PV plants, including Quilapilún, are situated in areas with high solar radiation, making them efficient for power generation. The environmental impact of solar farms includes land use for panel arrays and potential effects on local ecosystems, though they produce no direct emissions during operation. In Chile, solar energy is a key component of the national strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change.
Frequently asked questions
Quilapilún is located in Chile, with coordinates approximately 33.104°S, 70.637°W. It operates within Chile's national grid.
Quilapilún has an installed capacity of 117.4 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-to-large scale solar photovoltaic facility.
The operator of Quilapilún is not publicly listed in available data. However, it is part of Chile's renewable energy infrastructure, which includes various private and public operators.
Chile supports solar PV through its Renewable Energy Law (Law 20.698), which mandates that 20% of electricity generation come from non-conventional renewable sources by 2025. The country also holds renewable energy auctions and offers net billing for small-scale generators.
Quilapilún helps Chile reduce carbon emissions by generating clean electricity from solar power, supporting the country's target of 70% renewable electricity by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.