Mainstream Renewable Power gets planning permission to build 150MW wind farm in Calama, Chile

Global wind and solar company, Mainstream Renewable Power, today (28 August) announces it has received environmental consent to build the 150 megawatt Tchamma Wind Farm in Northern Chile.

The wind farm, which will be located in the commune of Calama in the Antofagasta region, will cover an area of 1,900 hectares on land owned by the National Assets Ministry.

The wind farm is expected to reach Financial Close in quarter three 2015 and start construction shortly thereafter. It will connect to the Northern Interconnected System (SING), and will involve an investment of approximately US$350 million.

Through Aela Energia, a joint venture with Actis, Mainstream already has one wind farm operational in Chile; the 34 megawatt Negrete Wind Farm located in the Bio Bio region. Mainstream also has a further three wind and solar projects in track to reach Financial Close and go into construction later this year which are:

  • 27MW San Manuel Wind Farm in Chile is due to start construction in late 2014
  • 43MW Alena Wind Farm in Chile is due to start construction in late 2014
  • 140MW Pedernales Solar PV Farm in Chile is due to start construction in late 2014

Commenting on the announcement, Mainstream’s Development Manager for Chile, Christian Evans said: “Mainstream is delighted to have received environmental consent for the Tchamma wind farm. In particular, I would like to acknowledge the role the local community has played in bringing the project to this stage. Mainstream has enjoyed a close collaborative relationship with the residents in the area and we look forward to continuing that positive interaction as the project moves into construction and commercial operation.”