Peru generator advancing renewable energy build-out

Fénix Power Perú has filed an environmental impact assessment  (EIS) with the energy and mines ministry for the 120MW Sunilo solar project in the southern region of Moquegua.

In November, the thermal generator, controlled by Chilean energy group Colbún, secured approval from the ministry’s power environmental affairs office (DGAAE) of the reference terms to carry out the EIS.

The following month, the ministry granted Fénix a temporary concession for the US$95mn project which would connect to the national grid at the 138k Ilo 1-Moquegua transmission line, along a section that belongs to Southern Copper.

Fénix’s push to widen its energy mix also received a boost after the ministry established an occupancy easement for the 250MW Piletas wind project in the center-south region of Ica.

The temporary land rights will allow the company to conduct feasibility studies, which, under the concession granted in October, must be carried out within 24 months.

Grid coordinator COES has approved the pre-operational study (EPO in Spanish) for Sunilo while the EPO for Piletas is under review.

An EPO is used to show that a proposed plant and associated transmission infrastructure will not hinder the expansion of the national grid or impact the system’s safe and reliable operation.

Fénix’s renewable energy development pipeline includes wind projects Bayóvar, Hermano and Tres Quebradas, each of 250MW.

The power producer operates a 565MW combined-cycle gas turbine plant and accounted for 6.5% of the 18.2TWh generated in Peru in January-April, COES information shows.

Recently, Fénix launched a suite of energy solutions for its clients, including solar panels and storage.