In Chile, the electricity landscape is currently characterized by a significant inclination towards low-carbon energy sources, with clean options constituting roughly two-thirds of the total electricity generation. Solar energy stands out prominently, contributing about a quarter of the total electricity consumption, while hydropower adds almost a quarter as well. Wind energy plays a significant role too, supplying around one-eighth of the electricity. Biofuels contribute a smaller yet substantial portion at about 7%. On the other hand, fossil fuels account for a third of the electricity generation, with coal and natural gas being the primary contributors at about 17% and 15%, respectively, while oil is close to negligible at a little over 1%. This clear difference highlights Chile's commitment to cleaner energy sources, yet underscores the need for further reduction in fossil fuel dependency.
Data sources used on this page include IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Chile?
The state of electricity consumption in Chile is currently witnessing a worrying decline. The latest data from 2025 shows an electricity consumption of approximately 4454 kWh per person, a decrease from the historical high of 4532 kWh per person recorded in 2022. The reduction of 78 kWh per person indicates a move in the wrong direction in terms of electricity consumption growth. Furthermore, clean energy generation also saw a decrease, with low-carbon electricity generation dropping from 3147 kWh per person in 2024 to 2979 kWh per person in 2025, a significant reduction of 168 kWh per person. This stagnation and decline are concerning, as growth in electricity, especially low-carbon electricity, is crucial for meeting future demands.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Chile can consider scaling up its existing wind and solar capabilities further, as these sources already generate substantial amounts of clean electricity. Observing global successes, Chile might draw inspiration from Denmark, where wind energy constitutes a significant 60% share, and regions like Iowa and South Dakota, where wind accounts for 58%. These examples highlight that there is ample room for expansion in wind energy generation. Solar power should also be prioritized, considering Chile's substantial contribution already. Additionally, looking at countries such as France and Slovakia, where nuclear power contributes around two-thirds of their electricity, adopting or expanding nuclear energy can be highly efficient and beneficial, providing consistent and substantial low-carbon electricity.
History
Historically, Chile's commitment to clean electricity has been marked by fluctuations, particularly in hydropower, which saw significant growth in the early 1990s, with notable increases in 1991 and 1992. However, the late 1990s and early 2000s displayed both growth and notable declines. While there was a revival in hydropower around 2005 and again in the mid-2010s, recent years show a mixed bag with growth in solar energy, especially evident with around 5 TWh added in 2022, and a fluctuating but generally positive trend in hydropower until a notable drop in 2025. Despite these changes, the steady rise in solar electricity generation since 2021 points to a promising trajectory for solar energy. Chile should capitalize on this momentum by continuing to strengthen its low-carbon infrastructure, ensuring sustainable electricity growth, and cementing its green energy leadership.
