As the night of December 31 drew to a close, ENGIE Chile took a key step in its decarbonization strategy. It switched off two of its coal-fired coal-fired plants at the Mejillones Thermal Complex and began the conversion of a third unit to operate with natural gas.
Disconnection of coal-fired plants in Mejillones
The CTM1 and CTM2 units, which operated for 29 and 27 years respectively, were decommissioned in coordination with the National Electric Coordinator. These plants were part of a matrix of five coal-fired generation units in Mejillones. Their disconnection represents the progressive closure of a cycle that was key to the stability of the national electricity system for decades.
In parallel, the IEM unit (Infraestructura Energética Mejillones) began its transformation process to operate using natural gas. natural gas as the main source. This modification will allow a more flexible and efficient generation, aligned with the country’s climate objectives. Of the 711 MW disconnected, 377 MW will be adapted to this new fuel, ensuring backup capacity and continuity of service.
Planned transition with a focus on people
This progress is part of a responsible transition process that ENGIE has been promoting in Chile, based on dialogue with workers, authorities and communities. The company maintains an active Just Transition Plan, aimed at mitigating the social impacts of plant closures and promoting an inclusive restructuring of the energy sector.
The transformation will continue with the closure of the CTA and CTH units, also located in Mejillones. With this, ENGIE will consolidate its definitive withdrawal from coal, maintaining the secure supply through clean technologies, flexibleand storage technologies.
Battery project in the north
As part of the strengthening of the system, the company is developing BESS Lileone of the world’s one of the most advanced battery storage systems storage systems in northern Chile. This infrastructure will make it possible to store energy and deliver it at times of peak demand, strengthening the national grid.
With these moves, ENGIE Chile reaffirms its commitment to a sustainable and resilient energy matrix aligned with the future of the country.
Source and photo: ENGIE