Chile Unveils World's First Solar-Powered Air Traffic Station

The Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics of Chile (DGAC) and Thales have inaugurated the world's first air traffic control radar station powered entirely by solar energy. Positioned at an altitude exceeding 3,500 meters and adorned with 340 solar panels, this station signifies Chile's stride towards sustainable aviation initiatives.

Crafted by Thales for DGAC, the solar-powered radar system comprises an advanced STAR NG primary radar and an RSM secondary radar. Together, they fulfill all operational requirements for civil and military air traffic surveillance, adept at detecting slow and fast-moving targets, including helicopters, commercial aircraft, and jets.

Strategically nestled in the Atacama Desert, the station exclusively relies on sustainable energy, capitalizing on the region's abundant solar exposure. With a peak generation capacity of around 960 kWh per day, it sprawls across an area of 10,000 m².

Juan Alegría, DGAC’s Systems Director, underscored the new radar station’s importance. "This radar station is undoubtedly a significant contribution to air safety in the northern region, fully covering the high-density air traffic with its extensive measurement range—100 nautical miles for the primary radar and 250 nautical miles for the secondary radar."

"Achieving 100% solar-powered functionality aligns with Chilean policies and those adopted by ICAO, in line with the concept that all nations must strive to mitigate and reduce environmental impact for a sustainable future," Alegría emphasized.

Meanwhile, Luciano Macaferri, Director, Thales, disclosed the project's challenges and future prospects: "No one had ever manufactured a radar completely independent of the power grid. Our team had been working on alternative energy-based technological developments for some years, leading us to assume this challenge."