Why is solar power important in Chile?

Solar power in Chile is an increasingly important source of energy. Total installed photovoltaic (PV) capacity in Chile reached 8.36 GW in 2023. Solar energy provided 19.9% of national electricity generation in Chile in 2023, compared to less than 0.1% in 2013.

Does Chile have a future for energy production?

Chile is increasingly exploiting this energy production potential: Whereas solar energy, small-scale hydropower, biomass energy and wind power accounted for only six per cent of the country’s energy mix in 2014, that figure has since increased to around 25 per cent.

Why are solar panels important to Chile's green hydrogen industry?

Solar panels pictured in Chile's Atacama Desert are crucial to the country's green hydrogen industry. Chile has set an ambitious goal of converting 70% of its total energy consumption to renewables by 2030 and pledged to become carbon neutral by 2050.

How much energy does Chile produce?

“It was seen as something ambitious and it has already been surpassed.” Today 35.4 per cent of the energy generated in Chile is wind and solar, and 37.2 per cent comes from water sources in the National Electric System (SEN), which covers the vast majority of demand. Oil, coal and gas represent 26.9 per cent.

Why is a fundamental energy transition necessary in Chile?

A fundamental energy transition will be necessary in order to transform Chile’s power generation system, as the energy sector currently accounts for around 75 per cent of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. Chile is emerging as South America’s pioneer in the fields of renewable energy and climate protection.

Does Chile have a solar thermal tower?

Chile’s Atacama desert is home to the only solar thermal tower in Latin America. The imposing 240-meter construction is one of the pillars of the country’s ambitious green energy program that began in 2019 and aims to completely replace fossil fuels by 2040.