World Power Plants

TERMOELECTRICA TARAPACA172.2 MW Coal

Coal

Ranked as the 49th largest power generation facility in Chile, Termoelectrica Tarapaca holds a significant spot in the nation’s energy landscape, contributing 0.55% to the total capacity. With a generation capacity of 172.2 MW, it stands as the 11th largest among 14 coal plants in the country, a notable achievement given the dominance of hydroelectric power in Chile's energy profile. The facility primarily utilizes coal, with oil as a secondary fuel, which positions it distinctly in a country where hydroelectricity reigns supreme, accounting for a vast majority of the national energy supply. Termoelectrica Tarapaca is located in the Tarapacá region, approximately 20 km from the Tarapacá Power Plant, which has a much smaller capacity of 20.044 MW. This proximity underscores the plant's role in bolstering local energy production, even as it is dwarfed by the country’s larger hydroelectric plants. Chile has a total of 383 power generation facilities with a cumulative capacity of 31,543 MW, with hydroelectric sources making up the lion's share of this figure. In terms of national context, Termoelectrica Tarapaca’s coal reliance is increasingly scrutinized in light of the global shift towards cleaner energy sources, yet it remains a vital asset for energy diversification and grid stability in the region. Owned and operated by CELTA, this facility has been a part of the Chilean energy fabric for years. As the energy sector continues to evolve, Termoelectrica Tarapaca’s role may become more critical in supporting the transition towards renewable energy, while also addressing the challenges of energy security and sustainability.

Capacity
172.2 MW
Commissioning Year
2005

21 years old

Owner
CELTA
Location
-20.8057°, -70.1928°

Chile, South America

Context & rankings
  • 49. largest of 383 plants in Chile
  • #7,939 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #2,184 of 2,793 Coal plants worldwide
  • 0.55% of the installed capacity of Chile
Age & fleet comparison

21 years in operation

Coal fleet average: 29.2 years

Operator portfolio

CELTA operates 1 plants totalling 172 MW

Regional density

12 plants within 100 km, 220 MW combined

Nearest plant: DIESEL IQUIQUE(MSIQ_TGIQ) (61.3 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: -20.805700, -70.192800
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
680.3 Kt
830 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
14.29 Mt
Over 21 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2045
19 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
147.9K
cars per year
90.7K
homes per year
30.9M
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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