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Signature Sponsor
October 17, 2026 - ENGIE Chile reached a significant milestone in its transformation plan by completing the first conversion of a thermoelectric power plant from coal to natural gas in the country and obtaining the Commercial Operation Date (COD) for Infraestructura Energética Mejillones (IEM), marking the start of its commercial operation. With this US$78 million project, ENGIE adapted an existing unit to meet the evolving needs of the National Electric System (SEN). Located in the Mejillones Energy Complex in the Antofagasta Region, IEM has an installed capacity of 377 MW, which remains unchanged after the conversion. The unit will strengthen the security and reliability of the system, supporting the increasing integration of renewable energy.
The project involved adapting the unit's technology to operate using natural gas as its primary fuel. The process began in April 2024 and included the installation of new dual-fuel burners, modifications to the boiler, and the optimization of various systems related to the unit's operation.
“The conversion of IEM marks a turning point for our company and for the national energy industry. We completed the country's first coal-to-natural gas conversion and demonstrated that the energy transition can move forward responsibly, transforming existing infrastructure to meet the new needs of the electricity system. Where there was once coal, today we are building the solutions that the energy transition requires. This project reflects our capacity to innovate, decarbonize, and continue contributing to security of supply for Chile,” said Juan Villavicencio, CEO of ENGIE Chile.
The unit had been disconnected from the National Electric System on December 31, 2025, to allow for the conversion process. During the following months, the necessary works and adjustments for its new operation were carried out, until authorization to begin operations was granted by the National Electric Coordinator on September 29.
“With the certification of completion, we have successfully concluded a highly challenging project from both a technical and operational standpoint. Today, we have a unit capable of providing backup to the electrical system, complementing renewable generation and strengthening the resilience of the National Electric System (SEN). The conversion of IEM demonstrates that phasing out coal is not limited to simply disconnecting units, but also involves developing concrete solutions to support the country's energy transition. This achievement is the result of the commitment, professionalism, and dedication of hundreds of people who made this transformation possible, always prioritizing safety,” stated Laïlla Ducousso, Managing Director of Generation at ENGIE Chile.
The conversion of IEM is part of the transformation that ENGIE Chile has been driving in its energy complexes over the past few years, including the reopening of the Tocopilla Energy Complex and the progress in the transformation process of the Mejillones Energy Complex, where BESS Lile recently began commercial operation. This site utilizes infrastructure originally designed for thermal generation, giving it a new purpose in service of the energy transition. With this, the company continues to adapt and transform its assets to support the evolution of the National Electric System and greater integration of renewable energy.
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