Maranatha Volunteers Complete Historic Project in Paraguay

Maranatha Volunteers International recently completed a significant milestone in Paraguay, marking the organization’s return to the country after a 22-year hiatus. A team of 22 volunteers worked tirelessly to construct a new church building for the Itá Seventh-day Adventist Church. This project holds historical significance, as the Itá church faced numerous challenges, including displacement and financial constraints, that threatened its existence. The new church building will provide a much-needed space for worship, fellowship, and community outreach. In addition to the construction project, the volunteer team organized a Vacation Bible School (VBS) program for local children, sharing the love of Jesus Christ and fostering spiritual growth. The VBS program proved to be a powerful tool for evangelism, attracting children and their families to the church. This project exemplifies Maranatha’s commitment to supporting church growth and community development around the world. By providing resources, training, and volunteer support, Maranatha empowers local churches to reach their full potential.
Oneka Technologies Partners with Asfalcom to Bring Wave-Powered Desalination to Chile

Oneka Technologies, a leading innovator in wave-powered desalination technology, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Asfalcom, a Chilean industrial company. This strategic partnership aims to deploy Oneka’s cutting-edge technology to provide a sustainable water supply for Asfalcom’s production facilities in Chile. By harnessing the power of ocean waves, Oneka’s technology offers a reliable and eco-friendly solution to water scarcity challenges. The deployment of this technology will significantly reduce Asfalcom’s reliance on traditional water sources, minimizing its environmental footprint. “We are excited with this entry into the New South Wales region and are eager to meet and exceed our client’s expectations,” said Barry Palmer, Chief Operating Officer of NACG and Regional President of MacKellar Group. “With the award complete, we now turn to the important task of a safe productive mobilization on site. This is a critical project for both our customer’s success in ramping up their mine production and our success as a mining and infrastructure contractor in the New South Wales region.” “Our Australian operations continue to build on its strengths and we are proud that this project aligns with our strategic objective of customer, commodity and geographic diversification. I would like to welcome this customer…
Enel Colombia Commissions 370MW Solar PV Project

Enel Colombia, a subsidiary of Enel Green Power, has announced the successful start of commercial operations at its 370MW Guayepo I and II solar PV project. Located in the northern department of Atlantic, this project solidifies Enel Colombia’s position as a leading renewable energy player in the country. With the addition of Guayepo I and II, Enel Colombia now boasts a total operational solar PV capacity of 700MW. This significant milestone underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and its contribution to Colombia’s clean energy transition. The project, which comprises more than 820,000 solar panels, received a substantial boost from a US$300 million loan provided by the European Investment Bank. This funding supported both the development of the solar project and the expansion of Enel Colombia’s distribution network. Enel’s recent success in Colombia’s renewable energy auction, where it secured 1.2GW of solar PV capacity, further strengthens its position in the country’s burgeoning solar market. This achievement highlights the growing attractiveness of solar energy in Latin America, driven by declining costs and favorable regulatory frameworks.
TNR Gold’s Los Azules Copper Project Receives Major Boost

TNR Gold Corp. has received positive news regarding its investment in the Los Azules copper project in Argentina. McEwen Mining, the project operator, has secured approval for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), a critical milestone that brings the project closer to feasibility, construction, and eventual production. Los Azules, one of the world’s top 10 largest undeveloped copper deposits, is poised to become a significant source of copper, a vital metal for the global energy transition. The project is designed to operate using renewable energy and aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2038. With the EIA approval, McEwen Copper is targeting the release of a definitive feasibility study in early 2025, potentially leading to the commencement of construction in 2026. Kirill Klip, CEO of TNR Gold, expressed enthusiasm about the project’s progress, stating, “This advancement brings us closer to the construction decision for the Los Azules copper project.” He also highlighted the strategic investments from industry giants Rio Tinto and Stellantis, which further validate the project’s potential. TNR Gold’s 0.4% net smelter returns royalty (NSR) on the project offers significant upside potential without requiring any capital investment. As the global demand for copper continues to rise, particularly in the context of…
GNL Quintero Secures Approval for 10-MW Green Hydrogen Project in Chile

GNL Quintero, a leading liquefied natural gas terminal operator in Chile, has received environmental approval to develop a 10-megawatt (MW) green hydrogen production facility in the Valparaíso region. The project, a joint venture with Spanish renewable energy firm Acciona Energía, will involve an investment of approximately USD 30 million (EUR 28.5 million). The Chilean government has also provided a subsidy of USD 5.7 million to support this initiative. The green hydrogen plant will be located at GNL Quintero’s terminal in Quintero Bay. It will utilize water from the terminal’s sanitary network and renewable electricity to produce 1,600 tonnes of hydrogen annually. This clean hydrogen will be supplied to industrial customers in the Quintero-Puchuncavi bay industrial park and other regions of central Chile. GNL Quintero has made significant progress in the project’s development, including finalizing engineering details, selecting electrolyzer technology, and securing customer commitments. The company aims to commence construction and testing activities in the next year, subject to favorable investment conditions. This project aligns with Chile’s ambitious renewable energy goals and its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By investing in green hydrogen production, GNL Quintero is contributing to the country’s energy transition and promoting sustainable development.
Chilean Environmental Agency Approves Record Number of Projects in October

Chile’s environmental review agency, the SEA, has reported a significant surge in project approvals during October 2023. The agency greenlit 32 projects worth US$3.45 billion, surpassing the previous month’s figures and setting a new record for the year. The surge in approvals can be attributed to increased investment in the real estate sector, which offset a slight decline in energy projects. Notably, the Maratué urban housing development, valued at US$2 billion, was one of the largest projects approved during the month. Other significant projects that received approval include the Centro Norte logistics park, the El Almendro wind farm, the La Mocha photovoltaic park, and modifications to the Lomas de Taltal wind farm. The SEA’s approval process plays a crucial role in Chile’s economic development by ensuring that projects comply with environmental regulations and contribute to the country’s sustainability goals. The agency’s efficient and transparent review process has been instrumental in attracting foreign investment and fostering economic growth. As Chile continues to prioritize sustainable development, the SEA’s role in facilitating the approval of environmentally sound projects will remain essential. By streamlining the approval process and promoting sustainable practices, the agency can help Chile achieve its climate and environmental goals.
Codelco Invests $650 Million in Sustainable Water Project

Codelco, Chile’s state-owned copper mining company, has submitted an environmental permit application for a $650 million project aimed at enhancing water sustainability at its Andina mine. The project involves redirecting water from the mine’s Ovejeria tailings to the concentrator plant, located approximately 70 kilometers away. This innovative approach will improve water efficiency and reduce the mine’s environmental impact. “This project will enhance the availability of water resources by implementing a sustainable alternative that addresses the region’s water scarcity situation. This allows us to continue reducing our environmental footprint and to confront the consequences of climate change,” explained Lindor Quiroga Bugueño, General Manager of Codelco Andina. As global demand for sustainable mining practices grows and water resources become increasingly scarce, Codelco is committed to operating responsibly. The Andina mine, located in central Chile, has been particularly affected by prolonged drought conditions. The project is expected to create up to 1,650 jobs and take approximately 36 months to complete.
Unlocking Latin America’s Wind Energy Potential: A New Project

Latin America, blessed with abundant wind resources, is poised to become a global leader in renewable energy. However, realizing this potential requires a comprehensive approach to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. A new project aims to guide policymakers and stakeholders across the region, offering insights and strategies rooted in local experiences and best practices. By overcoming barriers and fostering collaboration, Latin American countries can accelerate their transition to a sustainable energy future. Key recommendations of the project include streamlining permitting processes, prioritizing public interest and equitable benefit-sharing, and building trust through early and continuous engagement with local communities. By focusing on these areas, Latin American governments can create an enabling environment for wind energy development, attracting investment, and driving economic growth.
Japan Invests $43 Million in Ecuador’s Chachimbiro Geothermal Project

Japan has made a significant investment of $43 million in Ecuador’s Chachimbiro geothermal project, a key step towards diversifying the country’s energy sources and enhancing its energy independence. The Chachimbiro project, located in the Imbabura province, involves the development of a 50-MW geothermal power plant. This project is crucial for Ecuador’s transition to renewable energy and will contribute to the country’s efforts to reduce dependence on hydroelectric power. The investment was formalized at a ceremony in Quito attended by high-level officials from Ecuador and Japan. This collaboration underscores the importance of diversification within Ecuador’s energy portfolio. Key Benefits of the Chachimbiro Project: The Chachimbiro project will reduce Ecuador’s reliance on hydroelectric power, providing greater stability and consistency in electricity supply. The project will save Ecuador approximately $147.9 million in its first ten years of operation through reduced reliance on fossil fuels. The project supports Ecuador’s commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions and aligns with global climate goals. The project may lead to local employment opportunities and facilitate the transfer of advanced technologies. The Chachimbiro project is technically and financially supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which ensures that the development adheres to international sustainability standards. JICA’s involvement includes…
UK Embassy in Lima Seeks Proposals for Citizen Dialogue Project to Strengthen Democracy and Sustainable Development in Peru

The British Embassy in Lima is seeking proposals for a project that will bring together diverse voices from Peruvian civil society to discuss challenges to democratic governance and sustainable development. The project aims to foster consensus-building among local actors and stakeholders, develop a citizen-driven public agenda, and increase public trust in government and the electoral process.The project should adopt a decentralized approach, prioritizing local voices outside of Lima. It should also include inclusive dialogue with civil society, academia, public organizations, and youth groups. Successful bidders will be expected to create a space for dialogue, collate and systematize the shared agenda, and disseminate findings through multimedia communication products.The project should involve a wide range of stakeholders from all sectors, including private, public, academia, local organizations, NGOs, unions, and political leaders. Projects should propose a clear methodology and activities to achieve their objectives within the project duration and ensure sustainability beyond the project’s end.The project budget should not exceed £17,000. This project aligns with the UK’s commitment to strong democracies and public participation. By supporting a citizen-driven agenda, the project aims to strengthen democratic governance and sustainable development in Peru. Completed forms should be sent in standard document and spreadsheet formats in…