AES Andes Achieves New Milestone in its Decarbonization Process
April 16, 2024
- The Norgener Power Plant was permanently disconnected from the Chilean electrical system today.
- The early retirement of the plant after nearly two years of operation will avoid the emission of up to 5 million tons of CO2.
As scheduled, today was the last day of coal-fired operations at AES Andes' Norgener power plant in Tocopilla. The two units, with a total capacity of 276 MW, were disconnected from the National Electricity System almost two years ahead of their original commitment (December 31, 2025).
In this way, the company, supported by the large volume of investments in renewable energy developed in the country in recent years, achieves an important milestone in its Greentegra transformation strategy, reaching more than half of its operating capacity in Chile based on renewable energy.
As a tribute to its employees, the company held a ceremony at the complex in the days leading up to the shutdown, attended by AES Andes General Manager Javier Dib, COO Norberto Corredor, and Human Resources Manager Carla Requena.
Javier Dib stated that "I would like to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of the employees who today begin a new phase after being trained in the company's various work conversion programs. Their tireless work, dedication, and professionalism have been fundamental to the operation of Norgener, especially in those moments when the country was experiencing difficulties due to energy shortages and challenging situations such as the Tocopilla earthquake. Without their commitment, the success of this complex would not have been possible".
Dib added that Norgener's withdrawal and shutdown process was carried out strictly within the environmental parameters allowed by the current regulations under which the units were normally operated.
The early retirement of the plant will avoid the consumption of approximately 1.2 million tons of coal and reduce emissions by up to approximately 5 million tons of CO2.
It is recalled that Norgener is participating in the tender for complementary services for voltage control, which is currently being carried out by the National Electricity Coordinator (CEN).
About AES ANDES
AES Andes generates and sells electricity in Chile, Colombia, and Argentina. The company operates 5,193 MW in South America and has an extensive pipeline of renewable energy projects under development. The company is one of the leading generators in the region with a diversified portfolio that includes hydro, wind, solar, energy storage, natural gas, and coal.
In Chile, AES Andes and its subsidiaries own and operate 3,421 MW of generating capacity, including 1,645 MW of thermal, 771 MW of hydroelectric, 353 MW of wind, 429 MW of solar, and 223 MW of battery storage, as well as desalination plants and transmission lines.