Chile:

Chilean SEA Analyses 120 MWe Geothermal Projects (Power Engineering Magazine)

Chilean Environmental Evaluation Service (SEA) is currently analyzing two geothermal power projects with combined capacity of 120 MWe, which are seen to start operations by 2016, local daily Estrategia reported yesterday.

Courtesy CIA.gov

The two projects are seen to require investment of USD 480 million (EUR 357.3m). The first is Cerro Pabellon in northern Antofagasta region, whose capacity was initially planned at 50 MWe. However, its owner, Italy's Enel Green Power decided to expand it to 120 MWe. The investment was originally seen at USD 180 million. The plant may start operations in 2015.

The other geothermal project is Curacautin in the volcanic area Tolhuaca, which foresees the construction of a 70 MWe plant at USD 300 million cost. Its owner GeoGlobal Energy is currently awaiting for environmental approval from SEA for the construction start-up. The unit is planned to be kicked off in 2016.

According to state regulatory agency Sernageomin and the University of Chile, the country has 120 registered probable sources of geothermal power which may generate 16,000 MWe.

Currently, there are 70 geothermal concessions awarded to over 10 companies. If the projects become operational, they will add over 1,000 MWe by 2025.