SOLEK Constructs Largest 95.2 MW Leyda Solar Plant in Chile, Spearheading Renewable Energy Transition in Latin America

SOLEK, led by Czech renewable energy pioneer Zdeněk Sobotka, is embarking on its most ambitious project yet. The Leyda photovoltaic plant, spanning 120 hectares in San Antonio, Chile, will boast a capacity of 95.2 MW, equivalent to 150 football fields. This significant endeavor aligns with Chile’s commitment to renewable energy, contributing substantially to the country’s decarbonization objectives.

Chile stands out as a modern, sustainable energy leader, heavily reliant on renewable sources. The Leyda plant, a flagship project of SOLEK, underscores Chile’s progress in transitioning to clean energy and aligns with its decarbonization targets. Recently, the Czech Minister of Industry and Trade, Jozef Síkela, visited the Leyda site, recognizing Chile’s advancements and drawing inspiration for the Czech Republic’s own energy sector modernization.

SOLEK’s involvement reflects Czech companies’ active participation in Chile’s decarbonization efforts. Minister Síkela’s business delegation, including representatives from various sectors, aims to support Czech companies like SOLEK in their endeavors abroad, fostering collaboration and technology exchange.

Expected to generate 185 GWh annually, the Leyda plant will power 23,000 households and mitigate 71,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. This significant contribution bolsters Chile’s ambitious plans to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

SOLEK’s founder and CEO, Zdeněk Sobotka, emphasizes Chile’s renewable energy commitment, enabling the realization of large-scale projects like Leyda. With a decade-long presence in the Chilean market and the backing of financial investors, SOLEK continues to expand its renewable energy footprint globally.

The Leyda project’s financing involves partnerships with international banks BNP Paribas and Natixis, alongside mezzanine financing from BlackRock Debt Fund. Upon completion, the plant will supply energy through a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with ENEL Generación Chile, ensuring a stable energy supply with predefined conditions.

Constructed with environmental considerations at the forefront, the Leyda plant adheres to the highest market standards. It is expected to create 400 direct and indirect jobs during construction and become operational in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Looking ahead, SOLEK is diversifying its focus into promising areas such as floating PV systems, agrovoltaics, and battery storage. As a leading energy company, SOLEK is committed to designing, constructing, and operating solar power plants in Europe and Latin America, with nearly 40 photovoltaic power plants in Chile alone and a total capacity exceeding 250 MW. By the end of 2023, the entire SOLEK Group had 486 MW of solar power plants connected or under construction, marking a significant stride in advancing renewable energy worldwide.