en.Wedoany.com Reported - Generadora Metropolitana and Trafigura have jointly acquired the Central Los Guindos power plant, located in Cabrero, Biobío Region, Chile, to enhance the security and flexibility of the local power system.

The power plant has an installed capacity of 273 MW, equipped with two turbines, and currently operates on diesel. As part of the acquisition, the conversion of the units will begin this year, with plans to switch to natural gas in the short term. The company stated that this move will increase the plant's maximum output and enable the use of a lower-emission fuel, contributing to more efficient and flexible operations aligned with the energy transition.

Generadora Metropolitana will assume full responsibility for the operation, management, and comprehensive affairs of the Central Los Guindos plant, integrating this asset into its growth strategy in the Chilean electricity market. Diego Hollweck, General Manager of the company, stated that this acquisition will add additional installed capacity and reduce emissions, while providing support, security, and flexibility to the power system.

This transaction also marks Trafigura's entry into the Chilean electricity industry. The company emphasized that Chile is a strategic market for it in Latin America, and this operation reflects its long-term commitment to the country. Gerardo Zmijak, Commercial Director of Trafigura for Argentina, noted that Generadora Metropolitana will provide local operational expertise, while Trafigura will contribute logistics and trading experience from the global energy market.

The acquisition of Central Los Guindos comes against the backdrop of the Chilean power system's need for greater flexibility to support the expansion of variable renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power. Converting the units from diesel to natural gas will strengthen the plant's role as a supporting asset, providing operational security to the system during periods or conditions when renewable generation is unavailable.

Generadora Metropolitana is one of Chile's leading power generation companies, currently operating four power plants strategically located within the National Electric System, with a total installed capacity of 1,340 MW, in addition to over 1,000 MW of approved solar power projects.