POWERCHINA’s CEME1 project in Chile has commenced commercial operation, coinciding with the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. This facility, the largest of its kind in Chile, has a capacity of 480 megawatts and is expected to generate clean energy for around 400,000 households while significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
In a significant development for renewable energy, POWERCHINA has announced the successful commercial operation of its CEME1 photovoltaic project in Chile. With this project launching on the United Nations’ World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, it exemplifies the potential of clean energy in protecting vulnerable ecosystems while promoting carbon neutrality.
Situated in the Atacama Desert, known for being the driest nonpolar desert on Earth, this facility spans about 400 hectares and possesses a total installed capacity of 480 megawatts. The project is located nearly 1,300 kilometers from Santiago, Chile’s capital, and consists of a photovoltaic field, a 33/220 kV boost station, and a transmission line extending 9.2 kilometers.
Not only does the CEME1 project address climate change, but it also plays a crucial role in global efforts to stop land degradation. With over 40% of the world’s land afflicted by degradation and increasingly severe droughts, large-scale renewable energy projects like this one provide necessary sustainable solutions for energy generation and land resilience.
Throughout its construction, the team faced various challenges, including harsh climate conditions characterized by extreme heat, intense UV radiation, and frequent sandstorms. Additionally, a labor shortage compounded the difficulties. However, through careful planning and management, the team managed to navigate these hurdles effectively, employing streamlined construction strategies and efficient resource allocation.
Now operational, the CEME1 project is projected to produce roughly 2,863 megawatt-hours of electricity daily, enough to power about 400,000 households. This initiative is expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by around 280,000 tons annually, significantly contributing to Chile’s target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and supporting efforts for sustainable land use and drought mitigation in the region.
The success of the CEME1 solar project underscores POWERCHINA’s commitment to advancing global renewable energy and its proficiency in managing large-scale projects under demanding conditions. Moreover, it bolsters POWERCHINA’s presence in international markets while playing a pivotal role in Chile’s energy transformation.
In light of the deliveries completed at CEME1, confidence in POWERCHINA’s capabilities has notably increased among project stakeholders. What’s more, the project has had a palpable economic impact on the local community, generating nearly 1,000 jobs at its peak construction period. Furthermore, it has fostered partnerships with local communities to roll out educational and vocational training initiatives aimed at nurturing talent in Chile’s renewable energy sector.
The CEME1 project represents a leap forward in CLEAN energy for Chile, promoting sustainability while addressing critical land and environmental challenges. It stands as a testament to POWERCHINA’s ability to execute large projects successfully while also contributing significantly to local economies through job creation and skill development. As the world seeks to tackle climate change, partnerships like these pave a promising path forward.
Original Source: www.prnewswire.com
