SANTIAGO, Chile – Sonnedix, the global solar independent power producer (IPP), has obtained the Environmental Qualification Resolution (RCA) – Chilean environmental permit – for the execution of a 150MWp solar PV project in the Atacama region, in Chile.
This administrative action issued by Chile’s environmental evaluation service (SEA), certifies that Sonnedix Tres Cruces solar PV project complies with environmental regulations and can be executed. The 150MW project is located within the communes of Diego de Almagro and Chañaral, within the Atacama region where the solar IPP has recently inaugurated its largest photovoltaic plant to date, the 170MW Sonnedix Atacama Solar.
With an estimated investment of US $140M, Sonnedix Tres Cruces is expected to start its construction phase by 2023, reaching commercial operation within 2024.
Axel Thiemann, CEO of Sonnedix, said: “With this new solar photovoltaic project, Sonnedix continues to consolidate its active role in driving the Chilean energy transition forward, as well as improving the quality of life in the communities within which we operate, by harnessing the power of the sun to build a bright future.”
Sergio del Campo, Director of Sonnedix in Chile, explained that; “This project allows Sonnedix to significantly increase the amount of renewable energy in Chile’s national electric system, as well as continue adding value to the Atacama region by generating local jobs and contributing to the competitiveness in the industrial and mineral production.”
During its construction phase, Sonnedix aims to generate approximately 295 new jobs in line with its ESG standards and commitments towards the local communities. Once built, Sonnedix Tres Cruces will connect to the local electric system through a 220kV transmission line of 11.8km, producing around 460GWh of energy each year. This amount of energy is sufficient to provide over 220,000 Chilean homes with clean electricity, reducing carbon emissions by 190,000 tons.
Present in Chile since 2015, Sonnedix currently has 14 solar photovoltaic projects in operation, totalling more than 230MW, two projects under construction – 160MW Sonnedix Meseta de los Andes, and 10.6MW Sonnedix Taranto – and a pipeline of over 930MW. The solar IPP continues to look for development and acquisition opportunities in Chile.
About Sonnedix
Sonnedix Power Holdings Limited (together with its subsidiaries, Sonnedix) is a global solar Independent Power Producer (IPP) with a proven track record in delivering high performance cost competitive solar photovoltaic plants to the market. Sonnedix develops, builds, owns, and operates solar power plants globally, with 4.4GW capacity, including a development pipeline of over 2GW.
Sonnedix continues to expand its global footprint across OECD countries, with almost 340 solar plants in operations, as well as several hundred MW under construction or various development stages in Italy, France, Spain, USA/Puerto Rico, Chile, South Africa and Japan.
contact: comms@sonnedix.com