French utility EDF inaugurated the 480-MW CEME1 solar farm in Chile's Atacama Desert on Monday, marking a significant milestone in the country's renewable energy landscape. The mega-plant, equipped with 882,000 solar panels sprawling across 435 hectares (1,075 acres), stands as Chile's largest solar installation to date.
Constructed by EDF's Chilean joint venture Generadora Metropolitana, in collaboration with local partner AME, the project was completed with PowerChina serving as the construction contractor.
Generadora Metropolitana commenced energizing the solar farm earlier this year, with plans now underway to integrate a 1,200 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). This addition aims to optimize the plant's efficiency by storing generated power.
“EDF is proud to advance Chile's energy transition with the inauguration of this landmark solar plant, a cornerstone of our hybrid thermal and renewable energy platform in the country,” commented Beatrice Buffon, Senior Executive Vice-President of EDF Group's International Division and Chairman of EDF Renewables.
The CEME1 inauguration underscores EDF's commitment to bolstering its presence in Chile, where it already boasts 770 MW of installed renewable energy capacity. This initiative aligns with EDF's strategic goal of contributing to a carbon-neutral and sustainable future.
