Europe’s largest solar research organisation, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, has opened a new centre in Santiago, Chile, dedicated to helping the sun-rich nation harness the potential of its solar resources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
The new Fraunhofer Chile Research Centre for Solar Energy Technologies (FCR-CSET) will focus on developing solar thermal and photovoltaic (solar panels) energy systems in regional areas. In Germany, Fraunhofer scientists have solid experience in these fields over many years according to Dr. Werner Platzer, Division Director of Solar Thermal and Optics at Fraunhofer ISE.
“In Chile we can build on our experience in international R&D and so strengthen synergies in bilateral cooperation. Our job is to find solutions that have shown success under similar boundary conditions and to customize these for the country of Chile.”
Chile is experiencing a boom in solar investment, with the region attracting some of the world’s biggest developers to build major power stations. SunEdison, among other Chile projects, was awarded a contract in December to supply 570 gigawatt hours of solar electricity annually. The company says it will do so at a cheaper cost than fossil fuels.
Together with scientists from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, one of Fraunhofer’s most important academic partners in South America, CSET researchers will now get to work on many areas of solar study. These include the collection of reliable solar radiation data for future planning of solar energy projects, better storage solutions for solar and other renewables, and using solar power in water treatment plants.
“For many reasons, Chile is an interesting location for solar energy,” said Dr. Andreas Häberle, Director of FCR-CSET. “The country of Chile has the highest global direct solar radiation in the world. At the same time, the Chilean climate places high demands on the reliability of materials and components.”
FCR-CSET was opened on the grounds of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and attended by Chile’s undersecretary for Energy, Jimena Jara, along with Germany’s ambassador to Chile and industry representatives.
“We are very happy to support the activities of FCR-CSET and we will follow with much interest their results. We hope they will contribute not only to the development of the renewable energies in Chile, but also to the emergence of an industry that can lead our country towards a solar economy,” Ms Jara said.
