World Power Plants

The Santa Maria Power Plant, located in Chile, plays a crucial role in the country's energy generation landscape, particularly within the context of its reliance on coal as a primary fuel source. With an impressive capacity of 341.991 MW, this coal-fired facility contributes significantly to the stability and reliability of the national grid, particularly in the central-southern regions of Chile. Operated by COLBUN S.A., a key player in the Chilean energy market, the plant utilizes advanced coal technology to ensure efficient conversion of fuel into electricity, vital in meeting the demands of both residential and industrial sectors. The strategic coordinates of -37.0420 latitude and -73.1300 longitude position the Santa Maria Power Plant in a region that is integral to Chile's overall energy mix. This area has been pivotal in reinforcing the country's energy security, especially as Chile navigates its transition towards more sustainable energy sources. The operational context of Santa Maria is particularly relevant given the increasing focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the national commitment to diversifying its energy portfolio. As part of a broader effort to balance coal's role with renewable energy initiatives, the Santa Maria Power Plant stands as a testament to the ongoing evolution of Chile's energy strategy, ensuring that while coal remains a significant contributor, the country also embraces cleaner alternatives in the long term.

Capacity
341.991 MW
Commissioning Year
2015

11 years old

Owner
COLBUN S.A.
Location
-37.0420°, -73.1300°

Chile, South America

Context & rankings
  • 25. largest of 383 plants in Chile
  • #5,715 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,798 of 2,793 Coal plants worldwide
  • 1.08% of the installed capacity of Chile
Age & fleet comparison

11 years in operation

Coal fleet average: 29.2 years

Operator portfolio

COLBUN S.A. operates 19 plants totalling 3,200 MW

Regional density

29 plants within 100 km, 1,416 MW combined

Nearest plant: BOCAMINA (I-II) (4 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: -37.042000, -73.130000
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
1.35 Mt
1648 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
14.86 Mt
Over 11 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2055
29 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
293.7K
cars per year
180.2K
homes per year
61.4M
trees to offset

Estimates based on Coal emission factor (820 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (55%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Coal
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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