Powerchina’s Ceme1 Project in Chile Advances Clean Energy and Land Resilience, Echoing World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

POWERCHINA has launched Chile’s largest solar energy facility, CEME1, coinciding with the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. Located in the Atacama Desert, the project has a capacity of 480 megawatts and will provide power to approximately 400,000 households, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 280,000 tons annually. CEME1 excels in advanced construction techniques, boosting local jobs and offering skills training for sustainable energy.

Power Construction Corporation of China, commonly known as POWERCHINA, has announced the successful commercial operation of its CEME1 photovoltaic project in Chile. This facility, the largest of its kind in the country, officially became operational on June 16, 2025. Interestingly, this significant milestone aligns with the United Nations’ World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, highlighting how renewable energy contributes to conserving fragile ecosystems while meeting carbon neutrality goals.

Located in the Atacama Desert, notorious for being the driest nonpolar desert globally, the CEME1 project sits about 1,300 kilometers from Santiago, the capital. It features a robust installed capacity of 480 megawatts and covers about 400 hectares. The multifaceted project includes a large photovoltaic field, a 33/220 kV boosting station, and a transmission line stretching 9.2 kilometers.

The CEME1 project plays a vital role in combatting climate change while supporting efforts to halt land degradation. With over 40% of the world’s land grappling with degradation challenges and suffering from increasing drought severity, initiatives like CEME1 provide necessary tools for energy and land resilience.

The construction faced daunting challenges due to the Atacama Desert’s environment — hot, arid conditions, intense UV exposure, and frequent sandstorms complicated efforts. However, the project team adapted efficiently and effectively, employing strategic resource planning and optimized construction schedules to meet these adversities head-on.

With commercial operations now in full swing, CEME1 is projected to generate around 2,863 megawatt-hours of electricity daily. This output will serve nearly 400,000 households and is anticipated to cut carbon dioxide emissions by an impressive 280,000 tons each year. This supports Chile’s ambitious carbon neutrality goal set for 2050 while also reinforcing regional initiatives for sustainable land management and drought resilience.

Moreover, POWERCHINA’s CEME1 project represents more than just another renewable energy installation; it epitomizes the company’s commitment to advancing global renewable energy initiatives. Handling large-scale energy projects under challenging conditions demonstrates their capability and strengthens their position within the international market.

Significantly, the CEME1 solar project is being hailed as a benchmark of POWERCHINA’s quality in overseas projects. It not only managed to tackle the extreme weather challenges of the Atacama Desert but also incorporated cutting-edge technologies designed to withstand wind and seismic pressures, ensuring reliable operations in an earthquake-prone region.

The project utilizes a dome-type fixed structure, meticulously arranged to maximize photovoltaic module placement while minimizing the need for access roads, thus promoting efficient land use and power generation. Furthermore, the project has positively impacted the local economy, creating nearly 1,000 direct jobs during peak construction.

In addition, POWERCHINA has teamed up with local communities to roll out educational and skills-training programs, fostering a new cadre of professionals tailored to support Chile’s growing renewable energy sector.

The CEME1 project by POWERCHINA marks a pivotal step in renewable energy for Chile, particularly given its alignment with global environmental goals. By generating substantial clean energy and reducing carbon footprints, the project not only addresses immediate energy needs but also promotes broader sustainability initiatives. Moreover, the endeavor has bolstered local employment and skills training, thus contributing to regional development. POWERCHINA’s exemplary handling of this challenging project showcases its commitment to global renewable initiatives and positions it favorably in the international market.

Original Source: www.prnewswire.com