Santiago, July 6, 2020 The National Energy Council (CNE) authorized Enel Generación Chile S.A., to proceed with the final decommissioning, disconnection and termination of operations of the Bocamina I (128 MW) generation unit on December 31, 2020. This milestone was initially scheduled for 2023, but in late May the company formally asked the authority for authorization to move it forward.
“We value the favorable response by the CNE to our request because it allows us to take one more step towards a cleaner matrix that generates environmental, economic and social benefits for all,” explains Michele Siciliano, CEO of Enel Generación Chile.
There is still no ruling on the request to push up the closure of Bocamina II to May 2022, initially scheduled for some time before 2040.
This past May 27th, the board of directors of Enel Generación Chile agreed to push up the final disconnection of both units, considering that the change in context would allow the company to prematurely fulfill its commitment acquired with the country upon signing the National Decarbonization Plan.
At this time, it was reported that in the case of Bocamina -just as in the closure of the Tarapaca Plant's carbon-fired unit in December 2019- a relocation plan would be carried out for all workers, considering opportunities in all of the group's areas and lines of business in Chile. At the same time, an analysis process will be performed to determine the energy reconversion potential of the facilities or find the best use for the land, according to the goal of land development.
As part of our strategy to move towards a cleaner energy matrix, Enel Chile is making progress in the development of the projects included in its Industrial Plan. These initiatives are aimed at adding a total of 2 GW in renewable installed capacity by 2022.