Trafigura and Generadora Metropolitana Complete Acquisition of Chilean Los Guindos Power Plant

Global commodities group Trafigura and Chilean energy firm Generadora Metropolitana have completed the joint acquisition of the Los Guindos power plant, located in the municipality of Cabrero within the Biobío Region of Chile, according to a press statement released by Trafigura. The transaction establishes Trafigura's direct entry into the Chilean power generation market, combining the trading house's international supply networks and market experience with the local operational footprint of Generadora Metropolitana.

Generadora Metropolitana will take over 100 percent of the administration, operation, and overall asset management of the facility. The plant currently features an installed capacity of 273 MW across two generation turbines that burn diesel fuel. Under the development plan outlined by the acquiring parties, work to convert both generation units to run on natural gas will commence within the current year, aimed at improving operational flexibility and increasing overall power capacity.

The fuel conversion strategy is intended to transition the generation asset to a lower-emission feedstock, enabling more efficient operational performance while providing system backup and grid stability in support of Chile's national energy transition goals, as outlined in the press announcement. The partnership links Trafigura's commercial capabilities in global energy and gas markets with Generadora Metropolitana's position as one of the primary electricity producers in the domestic market.

In statements quoted in the official release, Gerardo Zmijak, Commercial Director for Trafigura Argentina, identified Chile as a strategic Latin American market for the trading firm and highlighted the long-term nature of the transaction. Diego Hollweck, General Manager of Generadora Metropolitana, stated that the acquisition aligns with the company's corporate growth strategy to build a cleaner, more reliable generation portfolio by delivering flexible backup capacity to the Chilean electricity grid.

Generadora Metropolitana currently operates four power plants positioned at strategic points across Chile's National Electricity System, maintaining a combined installed capacity of 1,030 MW along with over 1,000 MW of approved solar energy generation projects, according to company background data in the announcement. Trafigura, which is employee-owned and employs around 14,500 people globally across more than 150 countries, holds operational investments including Puma Energy, Nyrstar, Greenergy, and the Impala Terminals joint venture.