- This is a large-scale agreement and the fifth project operated by Enel X for the Geofrut export company. Their plan to incorporate renewable energy projects will total over 2.2 MWp, with another similar sixth installation to be made in the town of Las Cabras, O'Higgins Region.
Rancagua, March 20, 2024. Enel X implemented a new PV solar plant, this time with a capacity of 393 kWp, on the roof of the Geofrut processing plant, a fresh fruit exports company located at Longitudinal Sur, kilometer 78, in the city of Rancagua, O'Higgins Region. The solar power system, intended for self-consumption, consists of 683 high-efficiency panels - 575 Wp each - which are integrated with 5 inverters with a nominal output power of 300 kW. This setup will allow Geofrut to generate an estimated annual energy production of 665 Mwh. The project includes a real-time monitoring system with remote accessibility, enabling efficient management of the plant's generation and helping it save 10.6% in annual energy consumption.
The photovoltaic solar system is the fifth of six projects that Enel X, along with its strategic partner Solcor, will develop for Geofrut in the regions of O'Higgins and Maule. Altogether, these projects will total 2.2 MWp, with the next project set to be executed at the Pilares Verdes plant in the town of Las Cabras. In this way, Enel X and Geofrut are developing one of the most significant supply and operation agreements for renewable energy executed in the agricultural industry. Currently, this agreement allows the fruit company to support some of its facilities with up to 70% of energy coming from solar power.
The project, carried out under the ESCO (Energy Service Company) business model—a technical-financial model for the development of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy projects for self-consumption—establishes that the cost is paid through the energy produced by the photovoltaic solar plant in monthly installments. This cost includes engineering, SEC procedures, supplies, implementation, commissioning of PV generation integrated into the plant's current electrical system, and maintenance service over the contract period.
During the inauguration of the PV solar plant at the Geofrut facility in Rancagua, the Industries Manager for Enel X, Claudio Candia, highlighted the export company's initiative, stating, “We greatly value that a leading company in the fruit industry like Geofrut has incorporated these technologies across 6 different facilities, which is further proof that clean and sustainable energy is gaining traction throughout the country. We know that the solar radiation conditions in Chile are favorable for these types of projects, and that is why we are very pleased to see companies adopting this trend, which contributes to efficient, green, and responsible consumption for the planet. Projects like these reinforce our relationship with our current clients and open the door for future clients to join us under Enel's free customer energy contract when possible.”
In the agricultural industry, Geofrut is sending a clear signal to the market that different productive sectors can and should do their part to protect the environment, especially those companies actively involved in the planting and harvesting of food. On a global scale, major consumers of fruits and vegetables demand clean, fair, and environmentally-responsible production processes.
Cristián Echeverría, partner and CEO of Geofrut, comments, “As a company in the fruit sector, we understand the importance of caring for and preserving the natural environment around us. We know that our operations have an impact on the environment, and it is our responsibility to mitigate this impact and work towards sustainability. That's why today we celebrate the culmination of a project that will not only benefit our company but also the planet we all share. Ultimately, today we celebrate more than just the inauguration of a solar power plant; we celebrate a shared commitment to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. Let’s continue working together to make this world a better place for the generations to come.”
Among the advantages of operating a PV solar power plant is a decrease in electricity supply costs and, at the same time, the reduction in CO2 emissions. In the case of the project at the Geofrut processing plant in Rancagua, this represents 265 tons in CO2 emissions savings every year, equivalent to planting 662 trees.