Chile’s Government has updated its National Energy Policy, which for the first time considers climate change, green hydrogen and electromobility.

Chile’s vibrant local entrepreneurship ecosystem, international trade agreements, financing programs and high level of technological development are the main factors that attract foreign investment to the country. 

The French company began operations in 2012 and is preparing to open its doors in Chile. It will study new investments for fuel development, where it expects to launch its first operation in 2024 with an investment of over US$250 million.  

The number of desalination plants is increasing, while Chilean companies and foreign investors’ consumption of seawater has been constant. Cochilco also revealed that the sector's share of GDP reached its highest point in the last seven years.  

Since it was set up in 2016, InvestChile has advised 1,464 companies from 70 countries, which in total have carried out 157 projects for an amount exceeding US$18.3 billion.

The Peruvian startup intends to begin operating in Concepción, Chile’s second-largest city, in the coming months. The company, which is already operating in Santiago and Viña del Mar, states that its investment in Chile has resulted in “exponential” growth.  

This will be the US giant’s second center in the country, after the first one opened in the Metropolitan Region in December 2020. The investment amount has not been disclosed, nor was an amount reported during the construction of Oracle’s first cloud service in Chile.  

Since launching its national strategy, Chile has tripled its number of green hydrogen projects, currently boasting over 60 initiatives. The goal is for 25% of these projects to be producing green hydrogen before the end of the decade.

The company aims to revolutionize the food industry with 100% plant-based products, clean labels, functional ingredients and sustainable production and packaging.

The South American country is forecasting technology investments totaling US$4.3 billion and 8,600 new jobs for digital talent. Foreign investment will be key to achieving these targets. 

The tender award documents for contracts beginning in 2026 reveal an average price of US$24 per MWh. Several companies with foreign capital took part in the tender process, such as Mainstream Renewable Power, Sonnedix and Canadian Solar, demonstrating the importance of foreign investment in Chile’s energy sector.

As a first step, the world’s largest copper producer plans to reach annual production of 7 million tons by 2030 in order to reach its mid-century target of 9 million tons. Foreign investment will be key to achieving these targets. 

Considering the huge potential for FDI flows from China, it is important that the different Chilean and Chinese public and private institutions continue to work together to identify opportunities and challenges, thereby facilitating the arrival of more Chinese investment in Chile.  

Of the project proposals received by CORFO, six were presented by foreign companies from France, Denmark, Italy and Germany.

In August, the region reached an average occupancy of 44%. Brazil led with 60%, followed by Chile and Colombia, both with 55%, finishing with Peru (40%) and Argentina (20%).

In Chile, there are 36 products with protection against unfair competition.  

The South American country ranks sixth among the organization’s 38 member states, behind Belgium, Austria, Israel, Ireland and the United Kingdom. 

Chile, which has 21 chapters dedicated to the service sector in its current trade agreements with 56 economies, has now launched the first “Manual for Service Exports and Free Trade Agreement Opportunities.” 

As Enaex and Engie filed the environmental paperwork for one initiative, GNL Quintero, Enagás and Acciona Energía announced a US$30 million investment to build a plant at the GNL regasification terminal.  

This Wall Street giant became interested in Chile after its Central Bank authorized the internationalization of the Chilean peso. Its main goal is to support its clients in foreign exchange operations.