A study by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) forecasts that, if the correct measures are taken, CO₂ emissions could be reduced by almost 30% in a decade and by more than 70% by the middle of the century. The good news for Chile is that, a natural resource, photovoltaic solar technology is key.

They take three and a half hours to recharge, they have 250 kilometers of autonomy and their batteries have a useful life of 4,000 charges. These are the 100 electric buses that the Metbus company will deploy in the streets of Santiago in the coming days.

The contribution of NCRE sources has increased rapidly in recent years, thanks to the start-up of new projects. In 2013, these sources accounted for 6% of the matrix and are expected to reach up to 18% this year.

Using renewables is helping the industry cut costs and reduce polluting emissions. It is a concern that is growing among some of the largest consumers of raw materials, some of whom are keen to burnish their environmental credentials.

The renowned speaker on energy issues, Gianni Kovacevic, says Chile has a privileged position regarding future energy sources, due both to its wind and solar potential as well as its copper reserves.  

The country is promoting the creation of projects in four areas: mining transport, storage of hydrogen, green ammonia-based fertilizers and, even, the export of green hydrogen. Chile’s great advantage is its growth of clean energies, the base of the sustainable version of this gas. 

The plant, which is unique in Latin America, will be able to supply a city like Antofagasta, with over 400,000 inhabitants, permanently for 24 hours a day. This type of technology paves the way to transforming the sun into the country’s principal source of electricity. 

Given the right conditions, between 25% and 40% of cars could be electric by 2040.

The importance of these sources will continue to grow in Chile due, among other factors, to the closure of thermoelectric plants.  

Taking advantage of northern and central Chile’s great solar radiation potential, pilot projects using agrophotovoltaic technology have been implemented with positive results: greater efficiency in the use of the land and less water required for the crops.

Building on the country’s track record and solid energy policies, the government has now announced a new line of work with ten undertakings for the next four years, including shorter times for obtaining an environmental permit, technical training and the modernization of institutions.

In recent years, Chile’s energy matrix has evolved notably, increasing its diversification and reducing its dependence on fossil fuels to make way for the so-called green energies, particularly photovoltaic and wind energy.

Although Chile is the international poster child of investment in photovoltaic solar energy, solar panels are still not widely used in buildings, houses and public places. The government and the private sector are bent on changing this.

The company is engaged in the construction of its first wind project in northern Chile, Punta Sierra (82 MW), as well as a 500-MW line of run-of-the-river hydro projects in central Chile’s Cachapoal Valley.