Plans approved to construct the largest solar PV plant in Latin America (141 MW)

Plans to construct what will be the largest solar PV plant in Latin America have been approved.

This new project will be larger than the 100MW solar PV plant in Copiapo, Chile–which is currently the largest PV power plant in Latin America (See stunning images of this project).

The Latin American subregion of the Americas has emerging markets, an increasingly prosperous middle class, more than sufficient solar radiation, and very high electricity rates.

Clear Sky Advisors report that with a growing population of nearly 600 million people and an electricity supply mix that is largely dependent upon oil, gas, and hydro, many nations in Latin America are looking to diversify their electricity supply mix through solar PV generation.

This will allow them reach a more reliable and affordable energy supply to meet the growing demand.

So it comes as no surprise that the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the U.S. Government’s development finance institution, and IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, have agreed to support the construction of a 141MW(ac) Luz del Norte solar power plant in Chile’s Atacama Desert.

The press release by First Solar (tasked with the construction) glorifies the region as having some of the planet’s steadiest concentrations of direct sunlight, presenting ideal conditions for solar power generation.

The company also notes that it will work closely with the Chilean national government, industry, regional authorities and the local community to design, develop and build the Luz del Norte project with particular effort in understanding community concerns about environmental impact; national interest in the technology related to connecting the project to the grid; and the broader industry’s power requirements, among other important considerations.

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