This is one of the last milestones in the construction of the solar thermal project that Abengoa and Acciona are executing in the Atacama Desert (Chile) and is owned by EIG Global Energy Partners. Weighing 2,300 tons, this highly complex piece will concentrate the projected solar radiation from the 10,600 heliostats that surround the tower. It is the first time that this maneuver is carried out in a project of this type worldwide.

The Cerro Dominador thermosolar project, owned by EIG Global Energy Partners and built by Abengoa and Acciona in the Atacama desert in Chile, has starred, in recent weeks, one of the key milestones before its next entry into operation: lifting installation of your solar receiver at 220 meters high. It was located in the highest part of the central tower of the complex, which is surrounded by 10,600 heliostats.

Specifically, the maneuver was completed in recent weeks, with the positioning of the receiver (piece of high complexity weighing 2,300 tons) in the foundation octagon, located at 220 meters high in the central tower of the solar thermal plant. The function of the receiver is to concentrate the solar radiation reflected from the heliostats that are located around the 250-meter tower and, thus, heat the salts that will be stored to generate electricity.

The complete maneuver lasted a week from the entrance of the receiver in a cavity located at the base of the tower. Once inside, with 16 hydraulic industrial jacks, the lifting process was carried out to the top of the construction. The ascent rate did not exceed five meters per hour, due to safety requirements and given the technical complexity of the entire procedure.

“We are very proud to have achieved this milestone. We continue advancing without pause in the construction of this iconic project for the region, ”said Fernando González, Ceo de Cerro Dominador.

"This is the first time this maneuver has been carried out worldwide in this type of project", as explained by Abengoa's project manager on Cerro Dominador, Héctor Berlangieri, who also pointed out that the conceptual idea Operation engineering arise from the Spanish company.

For his part, Luis Pérez, site manager of Acciona in the project, explained the great technical complexity of this hoisting maneuver: “A total control is needed on the ascent rate of the receiver, limited to approximately 6 meters per hour. We are really proud to participate in a project as unique as this and the commitment we are all demonstrating to make it happen. ”

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