Chile’s Solar Sector Faces Regulatory Scrutiny as SMA Charges PMGD Mauco and Las Chilcas Solar Projects with Environmental Violations

The Superintendence of the Environment (SMA) in Chile has initiated formal charges against two operational photovoltaic projects, highlighting regulatory enforcement pressures in the country’s solar energy sector. PMGD MAUCO SpA, operator of the “Ampliación Parque Fotovoltaico Mauco” in San Felipe, Valparaíso Region, received two charges following investigations that uncovered breaches of its environmental permit (RCA N°20210500150/2021). The project, comprising 18,490 solar panels spread over 10.15 hectares with a nominal capacity of 6 MW feeding the National Electric System (SEN), was found to have illegally cleared 2.88 hectares of xerophytic formations. Notably, 2.22 hectares of this clearing occurred without prior authorization from the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF), a sectoral permit prerequisite designed to safeguard biodiversity. An additional 0.66 hectares were affected beyond the scope of the original RCA, with potential impacts on Porlieria chilensis, a species classified as Vulnerable. A second, lesser charge was filed due to a two-year delay in the voluntary environmental commitment involving germplasm collection and reforestation of Prosopis chilensis. The SMA has allowed PMGD MAUCO SpA 15 business days to submit a Compliance Program and 22 days to respond to these charges, with penalties that may include fines exceeding 5,000 UTA or over 5 billion Chilean pesos, as well as possible permit revocation or project closure.

Simultaneously, Las Chilcas Solar SpA, operator of the 12.9 MWp “Las Chilcas Solar” project in Quebrada Ancha, Arica, faces three charges—two significant and one minor—stemming from multiple inspections conducted between 2023 and 2025. Violations include failure to implement the required rescue and relocation plan for native reptiles, notably omitting the endemic Pica runner lizard from the environmental permit and neglecting its protection during construction activities. Additionally, the project did not conduct the mandated controlled disturbance campaign prior to earthworks and failed to properly rescue archaeological artifacts before construction commenced. These breaches contravene the terms established in the project’s environmental permit and present risks to both biodiversity and cultural heritage. The SMA has set a similar timeframe for Las Chilcas Solar to address the allegations, with potential sanctions mirroring those faced by PMGD Mauco, including fines up to 5,000 UTA, revocation of approval, or operational suspension.

These regulatory actions underscore mounting governmental oversight enforcing environmental compliance in Chile’s solar energy market. The focus on biodiversity protection and adherence to environmental commitments signals heightened scrutiny of project developers and may influence risk assessments for future solar installations. With renewable energy capacity expanding rapidly, these cases reveal challenges balancing green energy growth with mandatory ecological safeguards, pointing toward increased diligence requirements during project development and operational phases.