SolarReserve earns approval for 260MW CSP plant in Chile

August 21, 2015
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Power solutions and solar thermal technology provider SolarReserve has earned environmental approval from the Chilean government to develop the 260MW Copiapó Solar Project.

The project, which will be comprised of SolarReserve’s concentrating solar power (CSP) technology, is expected to reach commercial operation in 2019 and will funnel energy to customers through a central interconnected system (SIC).

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Kevin Smith, SolarReserve's CEO, said: “One of the fundamental goals for SolarReserve is minimizing the environmental impacts of our projects at every stage – from site selection and construction, to full operational use.

“Sustainability is the focus of our business. Our proprietary solar energy storage technology provides a viable and cost competitive alternative to fossil-based electricity generation, with the potential to meaningfully reduce reliance on fossil fuels and associated carbon pollution that is contributing to climate change.”

Located in the Atacama Region, the site will generate 1,800 GWh per year, while also providing up to 260MW of firm baseload power to Chile’s industrial sector.

Tom Georgis, SolarReserve's SVP of development, added: “SolarReserve is the industry leader in baseload solar power solutions, due to our proprietary solar thermal energy storage technology with over 100 patents. This technology realistically has the potential to power the entire country of Chile using two phenomenal Chilean resources, salt and sun.”

Read Next

Premium
December 11, 2025
Slowing solar PV and energy storage installations in Europe risks “competitiveness and security at a pivotal moment”, according to the head of SolarPower Europe.
December 11, 2025
The European Commission has proposed improvements to Europe’s energy infrastructure, aiming to accelerate the grid permitting process.
December 11, 2025
Italy has awarded 88 projects for a combined 1.1GW of solar PV in its Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA) non-price criteria FER-X auction.
December 11, 2025
Floating solar PV (FPV) firm Ciel & Terre has unveiled a new floating structure, dubbed WattRack, with a rail-based structure.
December 10, 2025
The US SEIA has named board chair Darren Van’t Hof as interim president and CEO, to begin work 20 January 2026.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webinars
December 17, 2025
2pm GMT / 3pm CET
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA