Overview
Solar Diego de Almagro is a 28.05 MW solar PV facility located in the Atacama Region of Chile. It contributes to Chile's renewable energy expansion under the country's ambitious clean energy targets.
Solar Diego de Almagro is an operational solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in the Atacama Region of northern Chile. With a capacity of 28.05 MW, it is a medium-scale solar installation that benefits from the region's exceptionally high solar irradiance, one of the best in the world for solar energy generation. The facility is part of Chile's growing renewable energy portfolio, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The plant operates under Chile's regulatory framework that supports renewable energy through net billing and renewable portfolio standards. Chile has set 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, with minimal cloud cover and high direct normal irradiance, enabling high capacity factors compared to other regions. Environmentally, the facility contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based electricity. The Atacama region's desert ecosystem is sensitive to land use changes, but solar PV installations have a relatively low environmental footprint compared to other energy sources. The plant supports local grid stability and helps meet growing electricity demand in northern Chile, particularly for mining operations.
Environmental context
The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth, with extremely low biodiversity and fragile soil crusts. Solar PV installations require land clearing and grading, which can disturb these sensitive ecosystems. However, the high solar resource allows for efficient energy generation with minimal water use, a critical advantage in this arid region. Proper siting and mitigation measures are essential to minimize visual and land-use impacts.
Frequently asked questions
Solar Diego de Almagro is located in the Atacama Region of northern Chile, near the town of Diego de Almagro. The coordinates are approximately 26.38°S, 70.02°W.
The facility has a capacity of 28.05 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar PV installation. It uses photovoltaic panels to convert sunlight into electricity.
Chile aims to generate 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Solar Diego de Almagro supports these targets by adding clean solar power to the grid, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Chile's renewable energy policy includes a net billing law for small-scale generators and a renewable portfolio standard requiring large utilities to source a growing percentage of electricity from renewables. The country also has a carbon tax and long-term energy auctions that have driven solar deployment.
Solar PV generates electricity without water consumption or air emissions, which is crucial in the water-scarce Atacama region. It helps displace fossil fuel generation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution.