Tender for construction and operation of Codelco’s power plant will take place in the second semester
Thermoelectric in Mejillones will require an investment of U.S. $ 758 million and some of its energy will be used to expand Radomiro Tomic sulphides
One project that Codelco plans to start in 2014 is the construction of the Central Luz Minera (760 MW) in Mejillones, Antofagasta.
According to sources from the company, the bet is to start during the second half of this year a tender for the construction and operation of the thermoelectric gas which will require an investment of U.S. $ 758 million.
The state copper company’s plan is that the company to be awarded works of the plant be preferably a new player in the market for electricity generation in Chile.
This is because the firm is aware that only three companies account for 80% of the electricity produced in the Northern Interconnected System (SING). The above has weakened, say mining companies, bargaining power against generators when establishing favorable energy contracts in economic terms.
The idea is to replicate the model used by BHP for Kelar Plant, which, through a bidding allowed into the country of the consortium of Asian firms Korea Southern Power Co. (65%) and Samsung Corporation (35%) .
Despite this, it is not rule that whoever eventually operate the thermoelectric in Mejillones be an actor who already has a presence in the country.-
As for deadlines that are handled for the start of construction, mining sources say that in the first instance be bet on the last quarter of 2014. However, it is also seen as an option to start construction in 2015. This, depending on how successful the competition is and how long it takes to close a deal with a company.
Energy Destination
Part of the 760 MW that will produce Luz Minera will go to meet future operation of Radomiro Tomic sulphides.
This project is in the feasibility stage and will require an investment of U.S. $ 5,400 million. The start of construction is expected later this year, and its contribution will supplement the decay of Radomiro Tomic’s production from 2018.
Considering these time horizons in the state company suggest that the thermoelectric is constructed by that date. In addition, the remaining energy can be used by Codelco in its other sites or be destined for sale in the spot market.
Source: El Mercurio
