Abengoa receives permission to start 210MW Atacama 2 solar complex in Chile

Spanish renewable energy company Abengoa has received green light from the Chile’s Environmental Evaluation Service (SEA) for its 210MW Atacama 2 solar complex to be built near Sierra Gorda.

The project will include construction of 110 MW solar thermal electricity (STE) power plant which will feature a thermal energy storage system capable of generating electricity for 15 hours even in the absence of solar radiation.

The Atacama 2 solar complex will also feature a 100 MW photovoltaic plant.

The company is presently working on Atacama 1 solar complex near Maria Elena, which will incorporate the first solar thermal electricity power plant in Latin America.

Abengoa said that the design of the Atacama 2 solar complex will be similar to Atacama 1 solar complex.

Both the projects will feature thermal storage system with molten salts, capable of supplying stable electricity 24 hours a day, and provides solar thermal technology with a high grade of dispatchability.

According to Abengoa, the plants will also feature a management system for the energy produced by both solar thermal electric and PV technologies.

Abengoa said in a statement: "The Environmental Qualification Resolution from the Environmental Evaluation Service (SEA) took into account aspects such as land and water use, emissions reduction and the management of waste from the projects.

"Construction of the complex is expected to start within the next two months. Atacama 2 will generate 2,000 jobs at the peak of its construction."