A Hybrid CSP-PV System for Sustainable Energy in a Chilean Mine: A Case Analysis

SolarPACES

Abstract

Chile, a global leader in copper production, faces increasing energy demands in its mining sector, particularly in the northern regions, where the country’s major mining operations are located alongside its vast solar potential. Reliable and continuous power supply is critical for these operations. In alignment with the country’s ambitious target to decarbonize its energy sector by 2050, innovative renewable energy solutions are required. This study examines the design and feasibility of a hybrid Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and photovoltaic (PV) system, intended to deliver 150 MW of base-load electricity to a mining operation near La Serena, Chile. The proposed system integrates a parabolic trough CSP plant with molten salt thermal storage and a bifacial PV array equipped with 1-axis tracking. A custom simulation model based on PySAM is used to assess the technical and economic performance of the hybrid system, focusing on the use of HELISOL XLP® as the heat transfer fluid in the CSP component. The results demonstrate that the hybrid system achieves a 70% capacity factor and a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of 84.39 USD/MWh, outperforming standalone CSP plants. Furthermore, the hybrid configuration enhances energy dispatch efficiency and reduces the overall LCOE, positioning it as a competitive solution for meeting industrial energy demands in Chile. The findings underscore the potential of hybrid CSP-PV systems to significantly lower energy costs while ensuring a stable power supply. This study contributes to Chile's renewable energy transition and provides valuable insights into the role of hybrid systems in supporting the decarbonization of energy-intensive industries, offering a scalable model for global applications and for further optimization and cost reduction of this kind of energy supply.