POWERCHINA has launched its CEME1 photovoltaic project in Chile, the largest solar site in the country, coinciding with the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. The Atacama Desert project will generate 2,863 megawatt-hours daily, reducing CO2 emissions by 280,000 tons annually and supporting local employment and training.
In a significant stride for renewable energy, Power Construction Corporation of China, known as POWERCHINA, has officially launched its CEME1 photovoltaic project in Chile. This facility marks the largest solar power installation of its kind in the country, coinciding with the United Nations’ World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. By establishing this project, POWERCHINA aims not only to create a green energy source but also serve as a vital protector of the region’s delicate ecosystems while pushing for carbon neutrality.
Located in Chile’s Atacama Desert, often cited as the driest nonpolar desert globally, the CEME1 project is roughly 1,300 kilometers from the capital, Santiago. With an installed capacity of 480 megawatts spread over approximately 400 hectares, this initiative features not just a solar array but also includes a substantial boost station and a 9.2-kilometer transmission line. It successfully integrates energy production with land resilience, addressing issues like climate change and land degradation head-on.
The challenges here weren’t minor, given the site’s severe climate, which is characterized by high temperatures, intense ultraviolet radiation, and frequent sandstorms. Additionally, the construction team faced a labor shortage. However, through precise resource management and innovative construction strategies, they navigated these hurdles. It’s this meticulous planning and execution that helped push the project over the finish line.
Now that CEME1 is up and running, projections indicate it will generate approximately 2,863 megawatt-hours of electricity each day. This output can supply clean energy to around 400,000 households, potentially reducing carbon dioxide emissions by about 280,000 tons annually. Such reductions are crucial to supporting Chile’s carbon neutrality target set for 2050 while promoting sustainable land use and adapting to drought conditions in the region.
POWERCHINA’s dedication is notable. Their execution of the CEME1 project not only highlights their ability to manage large-scale energy projects, even in extreme conditions, but also enhances their standing in the global renewable energy markets. Since its inception, CEME1 has become a prime example of what high-quality international energy initiatives should be, especially given the unique challenges posed by the Atacama’s weather.
The project utilized advanced engineering strategies, including specialized wind-resistant and seismic-proof structures to ensure resilience against environmental challenges. Its dome type fixed structure allows for maximizing the placement of photovoltaic modules within the limited area while reducing the space required for maintenance roads, making better use of the land available.
Moreover, CEME1 had a positive impact on the local economy, creating nearly 1,000 jobs at peak construction times. POWERCHINA also focused on local community engagement, initiating educational and professional training programs to nurture future talent in Chile’s renewable energy sector. This effort not only strengthens local capabilities but also boosts confidence in POWERCHINA’s commitment to impactful development initiatives.
In summary, POWERCHINA’s CEME1 project is set not just to provide renewable energy but also actively participate in combating environmental challenges in Chile. The combination of advanced construction techniques and community involvement paints a promising picture for future endeavors in renewable energy across the globe.
The CEME1 photovoltaic project underscores POWERCHINA’s role in renewable energy as it successfully melds economic and ecological priorities. With its expected energy output and emissions reductions, the project aligns well with Chile’s carbon neutrality goals, while fostering local job growth and educational opportunities. Overall, it’s a significant step toward sustainable energy and land resilience in an area severely affected by climate change.
Original Source: www.wvnews.com
