Chile's General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC) and Thales have inaugurated the world's first radar station powered entirely by solar energy in Calama, in the Antofagasta region. The station, which is already in operation, combines primary and secondary surveillance radars to ensure the safety of civil air traffic. With 340 solar panels, the station generates around 960 kWh per day, contributing to environmental sustainability and respecting local archaeological sites. The project involved collaboration between Chile, France and Brazil, with around 30 people distributed between DGAC, Thales and Clemar, a Brazilian company that is part of the consortium and responsible for providing the project's civil infrastructure, creating around 300 jobs in the region. Wellington Rodrigues, from Thales, highlighted the importance of this innovation as a technological milestone for sustainable aviation.
Source: Air and Naval Defense