Clean energy continues to expand across Chile, and this week marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of the country’s largest wind farm.
The Parque Eólico Horizonte, located in the commune of Taltal in the Antofagasta Region, is now the second-largest wind farm in Latin America. This ambitious project, inaugurated by Chile’s Minister of Energy, Diego Pardow, will generate enough electricity to power 715,000 households. The wind farm was developed with an investment of $900 million by Colbún, a major energy company in Chile.
A Remarkable Feat of Engineering
The construction of Parque Eólico Horizonte required an impressive amount of resources and engineering expertise. Notably, 8,540 tons of steel were used—surpassing the 7,300 tons that make up the Eiffel Tower.
Currently, an environmental evaluation is underway for a proposed expansion of the wind farm. This expansion would involve the installation of 24 new wind turbines, each with a maximum capacity of 7.5 MW, adding a total of 180 MW (a 20% increase) to the current capacity. If approved, the total energy production of the park could reach 996 MW, which is transmitted through the Parinas electrical substation.
Key Features of Parque Eólico Horizonte
The wind farm stands out due to its size and technological advancements. Here are some of its main characteristics:
- 140 wind turbines with a total power output of 816 MW.
- Each tower stands 95 meters tall, equivalent to a 28-story building.
- Each turbine blade is 78 meters long, approximately three-quarters of a city block.
- Each blade weighs 27 tons, roughly the same as a fully loaded concrete mixer truck.
Construction Requirements
Building such a massive wind farm required substantial resources:
- 84,000 m³ of concrete were used to construct the 140 turbine foundations—more than the 72,000 m³ used in the Costanera Center, the tallest building in Latin America.
- 8,540 tons of steel were used (more than the Eiffel Tower).
- 168,000 m³ of earth were excavated, equivalent to 50 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Environmental Impact and Benefits
The energy produced by Parque Eólico Horizonte will have a significant environmental impact:
- It will supply electricity to 715,000 households.
- The reduction in emissions will be equivalent to removing 255,000 cars from circulation every year.
The Future of Wind Energy in Chile
Chile is making significant strides in renewable energy, and Parque Eólico Horizonte is a testament to the country’s commitment to sustainability. With potential expansion on the horizon, this wind farm will continue to play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and supporting Chile’s transition to a cleaner, greener energy future.
