POWERCHINA has announced the commercial operation of its CEME1 photovoltaic project in Chile, the largest solar power facility in the country. The project, located in the Atacama Desert, aims to contribute significantly to carbon neutrality and combat land degradation. It produces clean energy for around 400,000 households while creating jobs and enhancing local expertise in the renewable energy sector.
The Power Construction Corporation of China, known as POWERCHINA, announced that its CEME1 photovoltaic project in Chile has officially commenced commercial operation. This marks a notable milestone as it’s the largest solar power facility of its kind in the country. The project’s launch aligns with the United Nations World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, highlighting the importance of renewable energy in protecting fragile ecosystems and promoting carbon neutrality.
Located in the Atacama Desert—often referred to as the world&39;s driest nonpolar desert—the CEME1 project is about 1,300 kilometers from Chile’s capital. Spanning approximately 400 hectares, this facility boasts an impressive installed capacity of 480 megawatts. The project encompasses a photovoltaic field, a 33/220 kV boost station, and a transmission line stretching 9.2 kilometers. Its sheer scale and significant capacity make it a beacon of hope in the fight against climate change.
The scope of the CEME1 project is significant, especially considering that about 40% of the world’s lands have faced degradation, alongside an increase in the severity of droughts. By developing large-scale renewable energy infrastructures like this one, POWERCHINA aims to provide sustainable solutions that bridge the gap between energy production and land resilience.
However, setting up the project was not without challenges. The Atacama Desert’s extreme climate—with blistering heat, low moisture, and frequent sandstorms—complicated construction efforts. The project team, however, successfully navigated these hurdles through careful resource management and innovative construction techniques to expedite the work.
Now fully operational, the CEME1 project is poised to produce around 2,863 megawatt-hours of clean electricity each day, enough to power approximately 400,000 households. This will help curtail carbon dioxide emissions by about 280,000 tons every year, thus supporting Chile’s ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Furthermore, it also contributes to regional strategies for sustainable land use and adaption to drought conditions.
This significant accomplishment reflects POWERCHINA’s dedication to renewable energy development and reinforces its capability to handle large-scale projects even in tough environments. The CEME1 project stands as a testament to the company’s influence in the global renewable energy market and a critical step forward for sustainable energy in Chile.
Highlighting its achievements, the CEME1 solar initiative has exemplified a standard of quality for POWERCHINA’s international projects. In addressing severe weather challenges inherent to the Atacama Desert, the team integrated innovative wind-resistant and seismic-proof stabilization technologies, allowing for secure operation in areas vulnerable to earthquakes.
Designed using a dome-type fixed structure, the CEME1 maximizes the arrangement of photovoltaic modules while minimizing maintenance pathways, leading to improved land efficiency and enhanced energy output. Successful completion has bolstered local authorities’ trust in POWERCHINA’s construction expertise.
Additionally, the project has driven local economic growth, creating nearly 1,000 direct jobs during its peak construction phases. Collaborations with communities have also led to various educational programs, equipping residents with skills pertinent to the burgeoning renewable energy sector.
Overall, the launch of the CEME1 project represents a significant stride toward cleaner energy and sustainable land practices in Chile, while also enabling local communities to reap economic benefits in the process.
In conclusion, POWERCHINA’s CEME1 photovoltaic project represents a critical development in Chile’s renewable energy landscape. With its commercial operation, the facility not only meets substantial energy demands but also promises to reduce carbon emissions significantly. Moreover, its alignment with global efforts to combat desertification and drought exemplifies the dual role of renewable energy in safeguarding ecosystems while bolstering local economies through job creation and training initiatives.
Original Source: www.wvnews.com
