Sonnedix brings Chile closer to meet its renewable power targets
Sonnedix, the global solar independent power producer (IPP), has completed the construction of its largest solar PV plants to date: the 170 MW Sonendix Atacama, located in the Atacama Desert, in Chile.
The solar plant, located in the commune of Pica (Atacama Desert), began construction work in June 2019. On January 30, 2021, Sonnedix Atacama started injecting energy into the Chilean National Electric System.
Axel Thiemann, CEO of Sonnedix, said: “This is a big milestone for Sonnedix, and an important step to expand the use of solar in Chile, and worldwide. Sonnedix Atacama, our largest solar plant to date, represents the efforts of a purpose-driven team, working relentlessly throughout a difficult year as 2020 has been, with one goal in mind: to deliver a constant and reliable source of clean electricity to our communities, helping build a bright future for the next generations. We celebrate the resilience of our team members and partners working in this project and playing a key role in helping Chile meet its renewable power targets”.
“We are extremely proud of the work and dedication put into this project, and thankful to the regional and local administrations for their support.“, said Sergio del Campo, Representative Director of Sonnedix Chile. “Sonnedix Atacama will generate around 470 GWh of clean electricity per year, powering more than 100,000 Chilean homes. In addition to that, this project allows us to fulfil our ‘social citizen’ role through initiatives like our Atacama Community Investment fund, supporting the economic development of our communities funding business and initiatives aligned to our ESG standards and practices”.
Sonnedix partnered with Metka EGN as EPC contractor for the construction of the 450-hectare solar plant, while Transelec built the transmission facilities and will manage them during the entire lifetime of the park. The plant is powered by around half a million ultra-high efficiency Jinko Solar mono panels and 48 Power Electronics central inverters, all supported by Nextracker’s NX Horizon™ smart solar tracker.
Sonnedix Atacama holds a PPA with Collahuasi, Chile’s second largest private copper mining operation, for 24/7 supply of 100% renewable energy, highlighting Sonnedix’s strong commitment to ESG (Environment, Social, Governance).
Sonnedix has 11 solar PV plants in operation in Chile, where, in addition to the projects currently under construction, it controls a total capacity of almost 400 MW, plus an additional 750 MW portfolio of projects in different development stages.
