Chile a 'world-class destination' for renewables
CHILE: A report into Chile's energy infrastructure and policy has found the South American country to be a prime investment opportunity, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Santiago... Chile sources 40% of its demand from renewable sources, but it wants more (pic: Javmoraga / WikiCommons)
IEA said recent policy initiatives have encouraged investment, along with the recent upgrade connecting the nation's two main grid systems.
Being 4,300km long and, on average, 177km wide, Chile provides "unique challenges" for energy infrastructure.
However, with the Atacama Desert, and the Andes running parallel with the coastline, it has a "high potential" for wind and solar resources.
IEA congratulated the government on developing a long-term energy policy to 2050, on which the public was consulted, according to the agency.
It backed the technology-neutral auctions and also noted the government's increased involvement by the Chilean state in energy policy "which has helped to inject a new dynamism in the development of energy projects".
Still, IEA projects energy demand in Chile to at least double by 2050, requiring further grid and generation investment.
Currently, renewables generates 40% of Chile's demands, with targets to increase this to 60% by 2035 and 70% by 2050.
"To attain a 60% share of renewable power by 2035 at the least cost, the share of solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind power must increase considerably," IEA said in the report.
"This is possible, because the costs of these technologies have decreased substantially and will decline further, while the potential is very high for solar and high for wind power.
"However, to integrate a large share of variable renewable energy, the flexibility of the power sector must be increased.
"More transmission infrastructure, storage and demand-side response needs to be developed. Natural gas could be used more as a backup fuel for solar and wind power and for that purpose a liquid wholesale market for gas would be benefitial," the report added.
The nation shows no signs of slowing its appetite for low-carbon energy.
Following
the election of conservative businessman Sebastián Piñera https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/塞巴斯蒂安·皮涅拉
According to Acera, the country's installed renewable capacity has grown from 952MW in 2012 to 4.9GW by the end of 2017 — with a further 1GW of mainly wind and solar power to be expected in 2018.
According to Acera, the country's installed renewable capacity has grown from 952MW in 2012 to 4.9GW by the end of 2017 — with a further 1GW of mainly wind and solar power to be expected in 2018.
Data from Windpower Intelligence, the research and data arm of Windpower Monthly, shows Chile added around 272MW of wind in 2017, with total capacity now standing at around 1.7GW.
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Chile sets sights on 100% renewables by 2040
CHILE: The Renewable Energy Association of Chile (Acera) has backed calls for sourcing 100% of its electricity by 2040, on the back of an "ambitious" new government.
According to Acera, Pinera's renewable energy and climate change policies has many common points with that of the association.
Speaking at an Acera press conference, the association's president, José Ignacio Escobar – who is also general manager of Acciona Energia's Chile and Latin American unit – backed the new president.
"We are looking forward to the new government, which has very ambitious goals, which we hope to actively support to find the necessary mechanisms to meet the goal of 100% renewable energy by 2040.
"We believe it is a fully attainable and achievable goal, but it is necessary to define the action plan to achieve the goal, a rational plan and consistent with decarbonisation."
According to Acera, the country's installed renewable capacity has grown from 952MW in 2012 to 4.9GW by the end of 2017 — with a further 1GW of mainly wind and solar power to be expected in 2018.
Data from Windpower Intelligence, the research and data arm of Windpower Monthly, shows Chile added around 272WM of wind in 2017, with total capacity now standing at around 1.7GW.
In November, the country completed work to connect its two largest power grids, a move which should unlock huge potential for renewables in the north of the country.
Piñera previously served as Chile's president between 2010 and 2014. He takes office in March.
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