In the period from May 2025 to April 2026, Chile's electricity consumption primarily leaned towards low-carbon sources, accounting for more than half of the total energy mix at approximately 65%. Solar energy emerged as a significant contributor, comprising almost a quarter of the country's electricity generation, followed closely by hydropower, which provided just over a fifth. Wind energy also played a considerable role, contributing about 14%. Biofuels rounded out the low-carbon sources with around 6%. Meanwhile, fossil fuels comprised about 35% of Chile's energy consumption, with coal and gas being the primary contributors at 18% and 15% respectively, while oil accounted for a small fraction, around 2%.

Is Electricity Growing in Chile?

Despite these efforts towards clean energy, Chile's overall electricity usage per person has seen a slight decline. Recent records from 2026 indicate a consumption level of 4520 kWh per person, which is a small drop from the previous high in 2024, where the rate stood at 4550 kWh. Low-carbon electricity generation per person has similarly decreased to 2950 kWh from the 2024 levels of 3139 kWh, highlighting a reduction of nearly 190 kWh. Such stagnation is concerning, as it suggests potential challenges in scaling up low-carbon technologies rapidly enough to meet future demands and capitalize on clean energy benefits.

Suggestions

To bolster its clean energy portfolio, Chile can significantly benefit from expanding its solar and wind capacities. Drawing inspiration from regions that have successfully implemented low-carbon strategies can be advantageous. Denmark, for instance, generates 60% of its electricity from wind, and Iowa achieves 57% from the same source, both serving as illustrative examples for Chile. While nuclear energy is currently not part of Chile’s energy mix, many countries such as France and Slovakia generate a substantial majority of their electricity using nuclear technology, making it a viable option for further diversifying clean electricity sources in the country. Incorporating these insights could help Chile not only increase its clean electricity generation but also address the urgent need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

History

A look into Chile's historical progression in low-carbon electricity reveals significant developments and challenges. The 1990s witnessed substantial growth in hydropower, with 1991 and 1992 seeing increases of around 4 TWh each. However, variations occurred with notable declines, like the one in 1998, where generation dropped by 3 TWh. Into the 2000s, hydropower experienced both gains and setbacks, though there was an evident uptick in biofuels around 2011 with a 2.4 TWh increase. The 2020s marked a surge in solar capacity, with substantial growth in 2022 and 2023. Nevertheless, the recent decline in hydropower in 2025 is concerning and reaffirms the significance of diversifying Chile's clean energy investments to ensure a more resilient and sustainable electricity system.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (May 2025 – Apr 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.