World Power Plants

LOS ESPINOS is a 124 MW oil-fired power plant located in Chile, operated by TERMOELECTRICA LOS ESPINOS S.A. The facility generates electricity using oil as its primary fuel source, contributing to Chile's energy generation capacity. It ranks as the 7th largest oil plant in Chile. With 124 MW, it represents 4.26% of the country's total oil capacity of 2,912 MW. Chile has 71 oil plants with a combined capacity of 2,912 MW. Compared to the largest oil plant, NUEVA RENCA at 370 MW, LOS ESPINOS is approximately 1/3rd the size. Oil plays a diminishing role in Chile's energy mix, with a shift towards renewable sources. The LOS ESPINOS plant supports the country's energy needs, particularly in regions where oil remains a viable option. It is located in the Coquimbo Region, approximately 300 km north of Santiago.

Capacity
124 MW
Commissioning Year
1996

30 years old

Owner
TERMOELECTRICA LOS ESPINOS S.A.
Location
-31.8830°, -71.4503°

Chile, South America

Context & rankings
  • 68. largest of 383 plants in Chile
  • #9,150 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #411 of 2,478 Oil plants worldwide
  • 0.39% of the installed capacity of Chile
Age & fleet comparison

30 years in operation

Oil fleet average: 28.7 years

Operator portfolio

TERMOELECTRICA LOS ESPINOS S.A. operates 1 plants totalling 124 MW

Regional density

17 plants within 100 km, 1,937 MW combined

Nearest plant: OLIVOS (6.3 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: -31.883000, -71.450300
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Carbon Footprint650 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
247.1 Kt
380 GWh/year × 650 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
7.41 Mt
Over 30 years of operation
Closing Soon
2026
Expected to retire this year
Annual emissions equivalent to
53.7K
cars per year
32.9K
homes per year
11.2M
trees to offset

Estimates based on Oil emission factor (650 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (35%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Oil
Energy Source
Non-Renewable
Country
Chile
Continent
South America
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

ChileEnergy Profile

383
Total Plants
31.5 GW
Total Capacity
HydroGasCoalSolar
Top Fuels

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