Energy giant Enel Chile, through its Chilean unit Enel Green Power Chile, has begun commercial operation of the country’s 398MW Guanchoi solar plant. Enel received authorisation from the national electricity coordinator to commence operation after the solar plant passed all tests ensuring its safety and performance. Located in the Atacama region in the country, the Guanchoi solar plant is powered by 893,508 solar panels.
The panels feature bifacial monocrystalline technology, allowing them to achieve greater efficiency in capturing solar radiation. They generate 14 per cent more electricity than conventional solar panels. The plant is one of the largest operating projects in Chile, generating 1,100 GWh of clean energy annually. The project’s generated power will be fed into the Chilean national electricity grid and will supply a million homes. It will also prevent 900,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually from entering the atmosphere. A total of 1,200 people were employed during its construction phase, most of whom were local to the region.
In July 2023, Inpex agreed to acquire a 50 per cent stake in the Australian operations of Italian utility Enel. Inpex would purchase a stake in Enel Green Power Australia and Enel Green Power Australia Trust (collectively EGPA) as part of the acquisition. These two businesses are wholly owned by Enel Green Power, a division of Enel. With debt of about €140 million, the acquisition values EGPA at about €400 million.
