Mainstream Renewable Power has unveiled a 1GW hybrid renewable energy platform in Chile.
The Nazca Renovables platform consists of six projects, comprising three wind and three solar photovoltaic and is divided into three portfolios.
Humboldt, the first of these, will provide 255MW of clean energy via the Tata Inti solar farm and the Entre Rios wind farm, with construction expected to begin in mid-2022.
Mainstream’s new Nazca Renovables platform builds on the 1.35GW Andes Renovables platform, which recently saw its first portfolio, Condor, begin supplying electricity to the grid.
The Humboldt portfolio will supply a recently signed long-term bilateral private power purchase agreement (PPA) with a strategic partner.
This is the second such deal within a month for Mainstream in Chile, following the signing of a PPA to supply power from the Copihue phase of the Andes Renovables platform.
Mainstream chief executive Mary Quaney said: “Not only is this platform a significant expansion for Mainstream globally, but it is a prime example of the new possibilities the company is developing through renewable energy agreements with private clients.
“Flexibility and reliability are key for such clients – and our exploration of integrating storage and batteries shows how we are adapting to the needs of our customers and the energy transition.”
By 2022 Mainstream expects to provide 20% of electricity required by Chilean consumers as the Andes Renovables portfolio comes online in its entirety.
Mainstream Latin America general manager Manuel Tagle said: “The Nazca Renovables platform and its three portfolios make Mainstream an even more influential enabler of Chile’s decarbonisation.
“The six new projects will help bring investment and employment across the country, consolidating Mainstream’s leadership in one of Latin America’s most advanced markets for renewable energy.
“We’re very excited by the pace of our developments in Chile and will draw on our significant experience with the Andes Renovables platform to ensure Nazca is a similar success.”
Mainstream is also exploring incorporating large-scale batteries located at the various assets, so allow some of the sites to generate power for more hours in a day, providing additional flexibility to “better serve customers’ needs and provide additional support to the grid”.