Large-scale solar energy: CEME 1 and the Chilean transition
The CEME 1 photovoltaic plant, located in MarÃa Elena (Antofagasta Region), completed its first year of operation and consolidated its position as the largest solar installation in Chile. With 480 MWp of capacity, 882.720 paneles over 435 hectares and a slight slope to optimize the soil, injects energy equivalent to the consumption of about 500.000 households.
The project, driven by Chilean and French capital and Chinese technology, aligns with the country's goal de climate neutrality by 2050Representatives of the sector highlighted that, despite logistical challenges in the midst of a pandemic, coordination with PowerChina allowed the work to be carried out, highlighting the importance of integrating different experiences and construction models.
one of his seals is the system of robotic dry cleaning, 100% autonomous and with daily programming, which travels 1.200 meter stretches from east to west to remove dust without using water. Plant technicians They point out that it drastically reduces water consumption and minimizes human intervention in the field.
Looking ahead, the initiative includes a large-scale battery system whose construction start is planned within the year, associated with a contract with Codelco that would allow progress towards a 100% renewable supply from now to 2030.
At the local level, the community of MarÃa Elena He valued the arrival of the park for its impact on employment and trainingThe municipality highlights its linkage programs in schools, culture and health, which have brought children and young people closer at Clean technologies already the energy transition.
Textile waste and a denunciation from art
It is estimated that the impacted area surrounds the hundreds of hectares, with emissions from plastic fibers and other petroleum derivatives. With the declaration of the textile as a priority In the Extended Producer Responsibility Act, greater oversight and better collection and recycling systems to stop the problem at its source.
This context motivated the work "North, from Atacama to Helsinki", where three Chilean creators connect landscape and consumptionThe installation, which combines long-form photography and textile pieces inspired by the highlands and the desert, seeks educate and raise awareness about fast fashion and its impacts.
The exhibition is presented in Helsinki within the Bela Biennial, focused on sustainability, diversity and racial empowerment, between August 9 and 30. The Chilean Embassy supported this landing in a recognized country for its environmental policies, highlighting the dialogue between the "world's garbage dump" and a recycling benchmark.
Among the audience were representatives of the resident Chilean community, including those who arrived in 1973 as refugees and remain active in the local cultural scene. The artists considering take the proposal to Estonia or Italy, maintaining its origin in northern Chile and the call to large markets to review their consumer chains.
Flowering desert: science, forecasting, and best practices
The phenomenon of flowering desert depends on rainfall, temperature and humidityMany species remain in repose for decades until they become active; others sprout from rhizomes, bulbs or tubers when soil conditions are favorable.
Among the protagonists are the guanaco paw (Cistanthe longiscapa), the white sigh (Nolana baccata), the fox ear (Aristolochia chilensis) and species of Leucocoryne. Also noteworthy are the yellow añañuca (Rhodophiala bagnoldii) and the yellow lily (Alstroemeria kingii), which respond quickly to the accumulated humidity, while the vernalization favors the germination of others.
Local reports from July and August indicate early blooms in areas of the Llanos de Challe National Park, such as Cistanthe salsoloides and some Leucocoryne. CONAF performs field monitoring before issuing official confirmations.
If conditions persist, the flowering peak could happen between late September and mid-October, with some indications since the beginning of that month. The most likely areas for this include Vallenar, Huasco, Llanos de Challe, and sections of Route 5 North between Copiapó and Vallenar.
Tourist interest has increased significantly since 2015. To protect these events, it is recommended do not leave the trails, prevent the entry of off-road vehicles and not extract specimens. Beyond its aesthetic value, it represents a high ecological and scientific value for the region.
Expanding invasive fauna: the European hare in Atacama
A recent study led by Gabriel Lobos and Nicolás Rebolledo confirms that the European hare (Lepus europaeus) crossed the old boundary of the Copiapó River and has established itself in environments of the and Andean highlands, areas with very restrictive conditions for biota.
There is concern because it affects ecosystems semi-arid and highly endemistic, where herbivory can alter vegetation composition and compete with native fauna. In the north, species such as the short-tailed (Chinchilla chinchilla) and long-tailed (Chinchilla lanigera) chinchillas are critically endangered and require very fragile habitats.
The analysis indicates that the species is primarily associated with irrigation canals linked to agriculture. presence of the hare in basins such as Loa, Yuta, Azapa and Copiapó anticipates ecological and economic impacts if they are not managed in time.
While rabbit control has been more effective (including myxomatosis), in the case of the hare, hunting and meat export predominated at certain stages. It is recommended assess the effects on native vegetation and animals before implementing radical measures.
Another important consideration: the invasive species is now part of the diet of foxes and pumas, especially in contexts where natural prey are declining due to drought, land use changes and climate. An abrupt control could alter that chain, so it is advisable continuous monitoring and selective actions in priority areas for threatened species.