The Chilean Government has given the green light to build a 260MW solar plant.

Energy company SolarReserve will develop the facility which is expected to be operating by 2019.

The Copiapo Project, located in the Atacama region, has a concentrating solar power tower technology with thermal energy storage combined with solar panels.

It is expected to maximise the output of the facility, generating up to 1,800GWh of energy per year.

Kevin Smith, CEO at SolarReserve said: “Our proprietary solar energy storage technology provides a viable and cost competitive alternative to fossil-based electricity generation with the potential to meaningfully reduce reliance on fossil fuels and associated carbon pollution that is contributing to climate change.”