French company Engie has started commercial operations for the Mejillones Energy Infraestructure coal-fired thermal station in northern Chile, a US$1.1 billion investment.

This represents a contradiction with the path taken by most countries around the world, even Chile, who now push for renewable energies.

However, this could be the very last to be built in Chile.

The firm said that its opening fulfills “contractual obligations” and that the process started before the paradigm shift that meant the incorporation of cleaner sources to the grid.

According to Revista Electricidad, the plant will have a capacity of 375 MW, will have strict environmental standards and will count with boiler and burner technology.

Apart from that, the company offered US$1.5 million to the Mejillones City Council to fund productive, cultural and sports programs.