Tulipanes Wind Farm: Arauco Drives the Renewable Revolution
Forestal Arauco, part of the Angelini group, submitted the Environmental Impact Study (EIA) for its new and ambitious project: the Tulipanes Wind Farm. This project, expected to inject 410 MW into the National Electric System (SEN), not only represents one of the largest energy investments of the year in Chile but also marks a milestone in the diversification and environmental commitment of the country's forestry industry.
The Tulipanes Wind Farm stands out for integrating a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), a technology that manages the intermittency of wind generation and ensures a stable supply to the SEN. This component is essential for the farm's efficiency, as it enables energy storage during high production periods and its subsequent release during demand peaks or when weather conditions are unfavorable.
Located between the Biobío and Ñuble regions, the Tulipanes project will not only impact the communes of Quilleco and Los Ángeles but will also involve other localities during its construction phase, such as Tucapel, Cabrero, and Yungay. Logistics and public road management during this period will require multisectoral coordination, highlighting the importance of interregional cooperation.
Labor Impact and Timeline
With construction start projected for July 1, 2028, and a 19-month construction period, the Tulipanes Wind Farm is expected to generate a peak of 564 jobs. Once operational in 2030, the farm will run automatically, maintaining a specialized technical team of up to 25 people, aligned with Industry 4.0 standards.
Tulipanes' entry into the SEIA places Arauco among the leading players in energy investment in Chile. In a year characterized by large-scale projects, Tulipanes positions itself behind initiatives like "Alto Los Muermos" and "Trumao," consolidating Biobío as the core of wind generation in the country.
Analysis: Arauco's Strategic Shift
With Tulipanes, Arauco demonstrates that its corporate vision transcends pulp and wood production, positioning itself as a comprehensive natural resources and energy platform. By leveraging its land for wind energy generation, the company not only optimizes its assets but also contributes to national decarbonization goals, turning the foothills' wind into a financial and sustainable asset.
into a financial asset worth US$ 625 million.
