Renewable Energy

Chile´s interest in harnessing renewable energies has grown significantly over the recent years as the country needs to reduce dependence on imported energy and diversify the sources feeding the main power grid. Many experts worldwide recognize Chile´s great potential in terms of natural resources for renewable energy, due to Chile´s diverse geography. An extremely dry and hot desert with year-round sunlight in the north, and a vast coastline of some 4300 km provide viability for both wave and wind technologies. The south of Chile also offers sites for mini-hydropower, and is home to thriving forestry and agriculture sectors that are suitable for biomass energy generation. Wind energy`s largest potential is in the remote area of Patagonia. A high level of volcanic activity makes geothermal energy an attractive source whether in the north or south. However, Chile´s energy future faces several key challenges to ensure that the entire population has access to energy. Currently it receives a small share of its power from non traditional renewable sources and many new projects are entering construction phase.

This program includes talks given by local and foreign experts working in Chile. It also includes visits to renewable energy sites to understand Chile´s case study on sustainable energy as an example of energy issues which are being faced in the developing world.

Current Situation

• Chile`s Current energy Crisis, experiences and strategic objectives in terms of Energy Sources.
• Liquid Natural Gas.
• Market (Economic and technical)
• Legislation.
• Recent trends.
• Regional Latin American experiences, objectives, dependency issues and priorities.

Technologies

• Wind farms.
• Geothermal energy.
• Hydro electric Dam / Run of river.
• Biomass plants.
• Solar power.
• Nuclear Energy – the debate.
• Wave & Tidal.

Risks & Challenges

• Impact on the environment of different types of Renewable Energy.
• Controversial Projects in Chile & Consumer Views.
• Energy Efficiency.
• Energy`s effect on Chiles Security & the Armed Forces` view and related actions.
• Geopolitical impact of energy.
• Oil, gas and water reserves located in the world.

Northern Chile

In the north of Chile the world’s driest desert with some of the most incredible sceneries on earth is located. Mining with intensive energy consumption. Records indicate that the Atacama desert has one of the highest levels of solar radiation on the planet, which means an enormous potential for solar energy. Temperature differences & altitude produce persistent winds that are ideal for generating electricity. Potential for Geothermal energy projects.

Central Chile

A world-famous area for high-quality crops, such as wine, olive oil and fruit. Less arid landscape with more readily available water. The Andes is Chile’s natural reservoir of water and source for hydroelectric development. Small run-of-river stations. The central zone’s great agricultural development produces a large amount of biomass. Wind power projects located along the coastline. Geothermal energy sites south of Santiago.

Southern Chile

Unique temperate forest for biomass production. Small- and medium-size run-of-river stations. Many active volcanoes for Geothermal projects. Wind farms in remote Patagonia.