Value contribution of solar plants to the Chilean electric system

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to quantify the value contribution of solar energy to the Chilean National Electric System (SEN, in Spanish). The assessment is conducted by using long-term planning, hydrothermal coordination and short-term operation models. The results of modeling different expansion and hydrological scenarios, show that photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP) generation could represent over 50% of the total generation by 2050, reduce the annual greenhouse gases emissions to 12 million tCO2 by 2050, decrease the operational cost of the system, and the potential to foster local investment and job creation. Due to its storage capacity, it is also shown that CSP plants could contribute to frequency control, adequately complementing PV and wind generation in scenarios with high penetration of renewable energy.