Chile consolidates its position as a leader in the adoption of renewable energies

Chile exceeds 38% of electricity generation with renewable energies and projects an even more sustainable future  

In the first five months of 2024, Chile reached almost 39% of electricity generation from clean sources. On May 6 at 14h00, a production milestone was reached in which solar energy generated 71.8% while wind energy generated 21.9% of the country's electricity. In addition, according to the Chilean Association of Renewable Energy and Storage (ACERA), the country has more than 7 GW of storage in testing and in different stages of construction that will be connected to the National Electric System in the coming months.   

The increase in production has also created a need to store this energy. In Chile, for half the year, the sun sets at the same time across the thin stretch of land it occupies on the coast of South America, creating an immediate need for energy storage. When energy is stored, it can be decided when to use it, i.e., the moments of supply and demand can be balanced.   

Storing energy in batteries is efficient, but only for a very short period of time. But at least it allows energy to be stored during days of high production and released at night. At the moment, this is done in lithium-ion batteries, which are the most efficient on the market, but it is expected that lead or sodium alternatives will soon be available. 

Benefits for the population 

According to Yale University's Climate Change Communication program, 91% of Chileans believe that the government should consider climate change as a priority. In addition to focusing efforts on climate change mitigation and sustainability, a major advantage of using renewable energy is the reduction of environmental pollution. Preventing air pollution has a direct impact on health; according to one study, hospital admissions for respiratory diseases have decreased in Chile with the increase in the use of renewable energy. 

Additionally, the interest in developing the cleaner energy sector has led to increasing attention to gender disparities. Only 23% of jobs in Chile’s energy sector are held by women. In 2018, the Chilean government launched the Energía+Mujer  program to promote equity and improve diversity in a field that has traditionally been dominated by men. The initiative offers companies tools to reduce gender gaps in the workplace and provides women with mentoring and networking opportunities. Likewise, with the support of the Inter-American Development Bank, for the development of clean and renewable energy in Chile, the country promotes equal pay and gender parity in the sector.  

Although 55% of women in Chile believe that there are differences in job opportunities in the energy sector, around 60% say that there is an inclusive culture that promotes gender equality and mutual respect in their workplaces, women have opportunities to access leadership positions, and their opinions are taken into account equally in decision-making within their organizations.  

Future challenges 

Chile has become a regional leader in the use of more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy. Despite progress, the sector faces challenges such as the need to improve transmission and storage infrastructure to efficiently manage the growing renewable generation. The country needs policies that encourage investment and facilitate the integration of these energies into the electricity market, from production to storage and transmission.  

The transition to renewable energy does not mean that resource extraction is suspended. Lithium production using evaporation ponds uses millions of litres of water a day, but lithium is found in the driest places in Chile. Access to water is essential for local communities and for biological diversity. In the Atacama salt flat in Chile, mining consumes and diverts scarce water resources from local communities. In addition, lithium contaminates the soil and therefore affects flora and fauna. For all these reasons, the government must look for alternatives to exploit this mineral. 

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