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
November 7, 2025
The increasing technical complexity of the renewable energy space has increased the demands on capital raising for those in the sector.
November 7, 2025
JA Solar has signed a module supply agreement with EPC contractor Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for two utility-scale projects in Uzbekistan. 
November 7, 2025
Saatvik Green Energy, through its subsidiary Saatvik Solar Industries, secured solar PV module orders worth INR2.99 billion (US$33.7 million). 
November 7, 2025
The US Geological Survey (USGS) has released the 2025 List of Critical Minerals, which includes silicon and tellurium.
November 7, 2025
Members of the European Parliament are urging the European Commission to restrict Chinese solar inverter manufacturers’ access to the bloc’s energy infrastructure, due to cybersecurity concerns.
November 7, 2025
Renewables asset fund Alantra Solar has secured €355 million to support the development and construction of five solar PV projects in Italy.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webinars
November 12, 2025
10am PST / 1pm EST
Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Lisbon, Portugal