• With a total installed capacity of 175.5 MW and a total investment of approximately US$200 million, the wind farm located in the Atacama Region will improve the region’s energy mix through the generation of clean and renewable energy.

In order to continue advancing in the country’s energy transition and to continue contributing to regional development, the French generation company EDF Renewables Chile and the Spanish group Ibereólica Renovables announced the commercial operation of the extension of the Cabo Leones I wind farm, after receive authorization from the National Electrical Coordinator.

The project, which is located in Freirina, Atacama Region, completed its extension after the incorporation of 12 new 5 MW SG-145 wind turbines to the existing 55 in the park, adding a capacity of 60 MW and reaching a total installed capacity of 175.5 MW of clean and renewable energy.

With the entry into operation of this extension, Cabo Leones I will allow the injection of more than 500 GWh per year into the National Electric System through the Maitencillo electrical substation, a volume of energy that will supply the energy needs of more than 150,000 homes and prevent the emission of 275,000 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere.

Jean-Christophe Puech, CEO of EDF Renewables Chile, pointed out that “we are proud of the entry into commercial operation of the Cabo Leones I extension, not only because it makes it the company’s largest operating project in the country, but because it was successfully carried out despite the multiple difficulties caused by the pandemic, thanks to the commitment and work of the teams.” Puech added that, through this project, “we continue to strengthen our presence throughout Chile through a portfolio of solar and wind renewable generation projects that seek to contribute to the transition of the energy matrix, economic reactivation and, most importantly, to local development through projects associated with the Social Investment Fund that have benefited various neighboring communities, such as Caleta Los Burros and La Reina, Caleta Chañaral de Aceituno, Carrizalillo and the Diaguita Indigenous Community”.

For his part, Gregorio Álvarez Cabreros stated that “the entry into operation of the extension of the Cabo Leones I wind farm means reinforcing the commitment of Grupo Ibereólica Renovables with the transformation of the energy matrix in Chile, by adding 60 MW of new generation capacity renewable to the 553 MW that the Ibereólica Group already exploits in operation in Chile”. Gregorio Álvarez also highlighted that “the installation of the 12 wind turbines of the latest generation platform SG-145 of 5 MW from the manufacturer Siemens Gamesa, is another manifestation of our Group’s commitment to innovation”

The extension of the Cabo Leones I wind farm began in August 2020 and has made it possible to improve the region’s energy mix through the generation of renewable and clean energy.