GDF Suez, through its unit E-CL, has been successful in the recent energy auction in Chile.
The group will deliver 5,040 GWh per year to the distribution companies of the SIC (Chile’s central electricity system) from 2018 for a period of 15 years. The energy will be provided from E-CL’s diversified portfolio of new and existing facilities, including LNG supply from GDF Suez.
The auction results are a significant development for the group in Chile and will lead to the construction of the 375 MW IEM thermal power plant and an associated port, as well as a transmission line (TEN) that will connect the Mejillones and Copiapó cities.
Gerard Mestrallet, CEO and President of GDF Suez said, “This project allows E-CL to commercialize energy in SING and SIC markets, to diversify its client portfolio and to contribute to an overall more efficient power market in Chile.”
IEM will be located in Mejillones, in the Northern system and represents an investment of approximately US$ 1,000 million. Environmental permits for the plant have been obtained and an EPC contractor appointed. The plant is expected to start operation in 2018.
The energy from this plant will be delivered to the SIC via the 600 km TEN transmission line, which has the potential to interconnect the two main electrical systems in Chile, as well as enable further deployment of non-conventional renewable sources. The total investment in the transmission line is estimated at US $700 million.
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Press Release; Image: GDF Suez