Pattern Energy commences construction of 122MW Conejo Solar project in Chile

US based renewable energy company Pattern Energy Group has commenced construction of Conejo Solar photovoltaic (PV) power project in Chile.

It has also received of approximately $205m required financing for the project, which is expected to be completed in the summer of 2016.

The 122MW solar power project is being constructed approximately 30km east of Taltal in Chile’s Atacama Desert.

Antofagasta Minerals’ affiliate Minera Los Pelambres has already signed a 22-year power purchase agreement to buy output from Conejo Solar project.

The project will be connected to the Sistema Interconectado Central (SIC) transmission system.

Pattern Development CEO Mike Garland SAID: "Conejo Solar was originated by Pattern Development, demonstrating that solar power is an excellent fit with our wind business that allows us to leverage our extensive development expertise.

"In addition to our El Arrayán wind facility, the largest in Chile, we now have a strong platform and an exciting pipeline of projects for future growth in the country.

"When combined with our recent Japanese solar project additions, we are making a significant step to diversify into solar on a global basis."

Pattern said that presently it has 4,500MW of wind, solar, and several transmission projects in development which are mostly concentrated in the US Canada, Mexico, Chile and Japan.