French energy leader EDF, through its joint venture Generadora Metropolitana, has officially launched operations at the CEME1 solar facility, now the largest of its kind in Chile. The 480-MW plant, located in the sun-drenched Atacama Desert near María Elena, represents a significant advancement in the nation’s clean energy infrastructure and a key milestone in its transition away from fossil fuels.
Sprawling across 435 hectares, the CEME1 project utilizes 882,000 high-tech solar panels to generate enough electricity to meet the annual needs of 500,000 Chilean households. This substantial output is projected to displace approximately 280,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year, marking a major contribution to Chile’s national decarbonization goals.
The facility employs innovative design and operational techniques, including an east-west orientation for its fixed-structure solar modules to maximize daily energy capture. To further enhance sustainability in the arid environment, an automated cleaning system is in place, designed to reduce water consumption by up to 90%.
To bolster grid reliability, Generadora Metropolitana is also advancing a co-located 1,200 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). This large-scale project will store excess solar power, ensuring a consistent and dependable supply of clean energy to the grid, even after sunset.
Béatrice Buffon, Chairman of EDF Renewables, highlighted the project’s strategic importance. “The inauguration of CEME 1 marks a milestone for both Chile and EDF, underscoring its scale and innovative construction techniques,” she stated. “This project reinforces our commitment to advancing towards a carbon-neutral and sustainable future while enhancing EDF’s presence in Chile.” The new plant increases EDF’s installed renewable capacity in the country to 770 MW.
EDF Inaugurates 480-MW Solar Farm in Chile: Sources
- EDF inaugurates the largest solar power plant in Chile – Global Renewable News
- EDF’s Chilean JV Unveils 480-MW Solar Farm – List Solar
- Chile’s largest solar plant inaugurated by EDF – DS New Energy
- Official Press Release: EDF inaugurates the largest solar power plant in Chile – EDF
- Chile’s GM starts commissioning of 480 MW CEME1 solar project – Enerdata
- CEME 1 solar farm Project Details – Global Energy Monitor
- PowerChina finalizes construction of 480 MW PV plant in Chile – PV Magazine
- 480MW CEME1 PV project in Chile begins commercial operation – PV-Tech
