The European Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, stated that reinforcing lithium extraction and securing the components for the production of batteries are priority objectives in Europe’s cooperation with Chile on renewable energy.
The European Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, stated this Monday that reinforcing lithium extraction and securing the components for the production of batteries for future projects are priority objectives in Europe’s cooperation with Chile in the field of renewable energy.
During a press conference at the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the commissioner also revealed that the European Union will be investing US$45 billion (€41.9 billion) in support and strengthened partnership with the region. The funds will focus on 130 projects in Latin American and Caribbean countries, in order to promote multilateralism at the regional level.
“We prefer our partners to be a diverse and trusted group of countries, and Chile is a trusted partner of ours,” Commissioner Simson stated with regard to the agreements that have been proposed during the first day of her official visit to the country.
“There are European companies in Chile willing to invest and that see the potential of green hydrogen in the country,” she added in a speech alongside Energy Minister Diego Pardow. The minister described the meeting held with the commissioner as “very productive”, and revealed, “we analyzed future perspectives and the regulatory agenda of our country.”
Visit in four key areas
In a prior official statement, the EU delegation in Chile explained that the commissioner’s official visit is structured around four main areas: the ratification process of the EU-Chile Advanced Framework Agreement; Chile’s progress in promoting the green hydrogen industry; the challenges and opportunities for Chilean and European renewable energy companies; and strategic collaboration on critical raw materials.
“Commissioner Simson’s visit marks an important milestone in energy cooperation between Chile and the EU, especially following the recent signing of the new EU-Chile Advanced Framework Agreement, which will further deepen bilateral relations in this field,” the statement reads.
“Likewise, the visit takes place in the context of the Global Gateway strategy of the European Union, which seeks to promote public and private investment in infrastructure, green energy, education and research for sustainable development,” it continues.
In addition to Minister Pardow, Commissioner Simson also plans to meet with Foreign Affairs Minister Alberto van Klaveren and the Executive Vice President of the Chilean Economic Development Agency (CORFO), José Miguel Benavente.
She will also speak with public and private stakeholders about the measures adopted by the EU and Chile to guarantee a fair transition towards renewable energy.
Furthermore, she will review the progress of the Global Gateway Investment Agenda, with special emphasis on the Team Europe Initiative for the Development of Renewable Hydrogen in Chile. The initiative “seeks to boost the production and use of green hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy source, thus contributing to the decarbonization of the economies on both sides.”
Finally, she will visit innovative projects in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency in Chile, which have been achieved thanks to EU cooperation.
Source: El Desconcierto.
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