The technical challenges facing such a large deployment of PVs in Chile include the variability of PV electricity supply
as it relates to the need for firm and continuous supply to mining facilities, as well as concerns about grid stability.
The first issue can be addressed using combinations of PVs and concentrated solar power (CSP) with thermal storage, PV and wind generation, PV and pumped hydro storage, hybrid PV-diesel plants, and the use of small hydro generators
as reserve capacity, along with controllable loads (mining pumping systems, desalination plants, pump storage, and
so on). In addition, demand response can concentrate energy requirements during sunny hours. In a country with a longitudinal grid topology, concerns about grid stability can be addressed by the PV industry and “grid-friendly” utilityscale
PV plants employing power plant controllers, dynamic voltage power management, frequency droop control, and fault ride-through capacity.