Developer

Empresa Nacional del Petroleo

www.enap.cl

Total capacity of implemented projects

10 - 50 MW

Countries of projects presence

1

Empresa Nacional del Petróleo (ENAP) is a Chilean state-owned company that was established in 1950. ENAP is responsible for the exploration, production, refining, and marketing of hydrocarbons in Chile. However, in recent years, the company has also been focusing on developing renewable energy projects, particularly in the biofuels and geothermal sectors.

Biofuels:

ENAP has been actively involved in the production of biofuels in Chile since 2008. Biofuels are renewable fuels that are derived from organic matter, such as crops, waste, and wood. These fuels are considered to be environmentally friendly as they emit lower levels of greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels. Biofuels are also a way to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, which is a major concern for Chile.

ENAP's biofuels division produces biodiesel and bioethanol. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel that is made from vegetable oils or animal fats. It can be used in diesel engines without any modifications. Bioethanol is a renewable fuel that is made from sugarcane, corn, or other crops. It can be blended with gasoline to reduce emissions.

ENAP's biodiesel production plant is located in the city of Hualpén, in the Biobío Region of Chile. The plant has a production capacity of 20,000 tons per year. The biodiesel produced by ENAP is made from waste vegetable oil collected from restaurants and other sources. This helps to reduce waste and also reduces the need for imported fossil fuels.

ENAP's bioethanol production plant is located in the city of Concón, in the Valparaíso Region of Chile. The plant has a production capacity of 50 million liters per year. The bioethanol produced by ENAP is made from sugarcane grown in the north of Chile. This helps to promote local agriculture and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Geothermal:

ENAP has also been involved in the development of geothermal energy projects in Chile. Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source that is derived from the heat of the earth. It is a clean and reliable source of energy that can be used to generate electricity.

ENAP's geothermal division is focused on exploring and developing geothermal resources in Chile. The company has identified several potential geothermal sites in the country, particularly in the Andean region. ENAP is currently working on several geothermal projects, including the Cerro Pabellón geothermal plant.

The Cerro Pabellón geothermal plant is located in the Atacama Desert, in the Antofagasta Region of Chile. The plant has a capacity of 48 MW and is the first geothermal plant in South America. The plant uses two wells to extract geothermal energy from the earth. The energy is then used to generate electricity, which is fed into the national grid.

ENAP's geothermal projects are aimed at promoting renewable energy in Chile and reducing the country's dependence on fossil fuels. Geothermal energy is a particularly attractive option for Chile as the country has a high potential for geothermal resources. The development of geothermal energy projects can also help to create jobs and promote economic development in the regions where they are located.

Conclusion:

ENAP is a Chilean state-owned company that has been involved in the exploration, production, refining, and marketing of hydrocarbons in Chile. However, in recent years, the company has also been focusing on developing renewable energy projects, particularly in the biofuels and geothermal sectors. ENAP's biofuels division produces biodiesel and bioethanol, while its geothermal division is focused on exploring and developing geothermal resources in Chile. These renewable energy projects are aimed at promoting sustainable development in Chile and reducing the country's dependence on fossil fuels.