Solar Power Cells, Hot Water, Energy, Collectors

Latin America Climate, Energy and Environment News: 12/10 - 12/16/2011

01.01.70

Chile

Renewable energy development made a lot of news in this week. Ireland-based company Mainstream Renewables announced the purchase of 32 new turbines to install at the “Negrete Cuel” wind farm, adding 34.5 MW to the main electric grid. (El Mostrador 12/9/2011) Mainstream also submitted the environmental impact assessment for a $250 million, 75MW solar plant called Solar Almonte . The project’s 270,000 photovoltaic panels would connect to the northern electric grid. (Diario Financiero 12/13/2011) A new 220-turbine wind project proposed in the Arauco region will transform the town of Lebu from a coal town to a “wind town.” The $1 billion project will be the largest wind farm in South America. (La Tercera 12/16/2011) Mining giant Barrick Gold inaugurated the Punta Colorada wind park in Chile’s Coquimbo region. The $50 million investment will have an installed capacity of 20 MW from 10 turbines, providing power to 10,000 families. (ListoDiario.cl, via FuturoRenovable.cl 12/14/2011) Over 40 international & Chilean scientists asked President Piñera to stop a new wind farm on Chiloe Island , due to its potential effects on endangered blue whales and other local wildlife. The project was approved in August.

Source: Natural Resources Defense Council (blog)