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SolarReserve has received environmental approval from the Chilean government to develop the 260MW Copiapó Solar Project, one of the world’s largest solar thermal projects with energy storage. The project is scheduled to reach commercial operation in 2019 and will deliver clean, non-intermittent baseload power 24 hours a day.
Basing on experiences in Crescent Dunes project in the U.S., SolarReserve will utilize its solar thermal energy technology for the Copiapó Solar Project. The company collaborates with stakeholders and local communities to ensure minimal environmental impact. They underwent a process includes careful site selection, low water use systems, and extensive environmental studies prior to starting construction. Chilean authorities underwent a comprehensive environmental assessment for the Copiapó Solar Project and qualified the project with the Chilean environmental permit.
"One of the fundamental goals for SolarReserve is minimizing the environmental impacts of our projects at every stage – from site selection and construction, to full operational use. Sustainability is the focus of our business," said Kevin Smith, SolarReserve's CEO.
The Copiapó project, located in the Atacama Region, consists of SolarReserve's concentrating solar power (CSP) tower technology with molten salt thermal energy storage combined with solar photovoltaic panels (PV). This hybrid concept will maximize the output of the facility, delivering over 1,800 GWh annually, while providing a highly competitive price of power. It will produce up to 260 MW's of firm baseload power which is critical to Chile's industrial sector, particularly the mining companies; operating at a capacity factor and availability percentage equal to that of a coal fired power plant.
(Photo Credit: SolarReserve)