Repsol, Ibereolica JV starts up 77 MW of solar in Chile

Spanish multi-energy group Repsol SA (BME:REP) said on Wednesday that its joint venture (JV) in Chile has commissioned the first phase of a 596-MW solar photovoltaic project in the region of Antofagasta, in the northern part of the country.

A 76.8-MW portion of the Elena solar park project is online and feeding electricity into the grid. The project is owned by Repsol Ibereolica Renovables Chile, a 50/50 JV set up by Repsol and Spanish independent renewables firm Grupo Ibereolica Renovables to operate in the South American country.

Elena is their first solar project to start operations, following a pair of wind farms.

Once fully operating, the Elena solar farm will be capable of generating enough electricity to meet power consumption needs of more than 554,000 Chilean households, Repsol said.

Earlier this year, Repsol Ibereolica Renovables Chile commissioned the 165.3-MW Atacama wind farm. Their first project was the 192.5-MW Cabo Leones III wind farm, which started commercial operation in December 2020.

At present, the JV partners have a portfolio with around 1,800 MW worth of renewable energy assets in operation, construction or advanced stages of development. Some of the new projects are expected to come online before 2026, Repsol said.

There is potential to expand to portfolio to over 2,600 MW in 2030, the company added.

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