Overview
San Andrés is a 48.2 MW solar PV facility located in Chile. Operational and contributing to the country's renewable energy capacity.
San Andrés is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in Chile, with a capacity of 48.2 megawatts. The facility is operational and plays a role in the country's growing solar energy sector, which benefits from high solar irradiation in the Atacama Desert region. The plant operates under Chile's renewable energy regulatory framework, which includes a target of 70% renewable electricity by 2030 and a carbon neutrality goal by 2050. Solar PV is a key technology in Chile's energy mix, with large-scale projects like San Andrés contributing to grid stability and decarbonization. The facility's location in northern Chile places it in an area with excellent solar resources, supporting efficient energy generation. As part of Chile's renewable energy expansion, San Andrés helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and supports the country's climate commitments.
Environmental context
The plant is situated in the Atacama Desert, one of the sunniest regions globally, which maximizes solar energy generation. The arid environment minimizes land-use conflicts, though large solar installations can impact local ecosystems and require careful siting to avoid disrupting desert habitats. The facility's operation displaces fossil fuel-based electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
Frequently asked questions
The San Andrés solar PV plant is located in Chile, in the northern region near the Atacama Desert, with coordinates approximately 26.88°S, 69.505°W.
The San Andrés solar plant has a capacity of 48.2 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar PV facility.
The San Andrés plant uses solar photovoltaic (PV) technology to convert sunlight directly into electricity.
Chile aims to generate 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, supported by a strong solar and wind resource base.
By generating clean electricity from solar energy, San Andrés helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and supports Chile's transition to a more sustainable energy mix.