Over the last year, from June 2025 to May 2026, Chile's electricity consumption reveals a significant shift towards low-carbon sources. More than half of the electricity consumed was generated from clean energy sources, with low-carbon electricity accounting for approximately 65% of the total. Within this category, solar power contributes more than a third, representing almost a quarter of the entire electricity mix. Another major player in the low-carbon sector is hydropower, accounting for about 20% of the overall electricity consumption. On the fossil side, coal remains a significant contributor at roughly 18%, with natural gas close behind at 15%. Wind energy, a noteworthy low-carbon source, makes up nearly 14%, while electricity from biofuels accounts for over 6%. The contribution of oil remains minimal, at just under 3%.

Is Electricity Growing in Chile?

Examining the growth of electricity consumption in Chile, it is evident that there has been modest expansion. In 2026, per capita electricity consumption reached 4594 kWh, a slight increase from the previous high of 4550 kWh per person recorded in 2024. This represents an incremental boost of 44 kWh per person, indicating an overall growth in electricity usage. However, it is concerning that low-carbon electricity generation has experienced a downturn in the same period. The 2026 low-carbon electricity generation per person stands at 2987 kWh, which is a reduction of 152 kWh per person from the 2024 record of 3139 kWh. This decline highlights the pressing need to expand clean energy infrastructure to sustain and enhance low-carbon electricity production.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Chile can consider scaling up existing wind and solar power capacity, as these technologies are already making significant contributions. Drawing inspiration from successful regions such as Denmark and Iowa, where wind energy accounts for about 57% of their electricity mix, Chile could similarly expand its wind capacity. Moreover, solar energy, which already plays a substantial role in Chile, can be further supported by learning from regions like Nevada, where solar contributes 35% to their electricity. Nuclear energy, as evidenced in countries like France and Slovakia, offers a continuous, low-carbon contribution ranging from 66% to 67%. By considering nuclear energy, Chile could significantly bolster its clean electricity production, as many regions have successfully done. By investing in these proven low-carbon technologies, Chile can ensure sustainable growth in electricity output and a considerable decrease in reliance on fossil fuels.

History

Chile's journey toward low-carbon electricity has seen varied progress. In the early 1990s, hydropower experienced rapid growth with notable increases of over 4 TWh in 1991 and further boosts in the subsequent years, though this progress was punctuated by some declines around the late 1990s. The turn of the millennium saw fluctuations, with significant increases again in the mid-2000s. In more recent years, Chile has made commendable strides in solar power, with 2021 seeing a substantial addition of 2.5 TWh, followed by even greater expansions in 2022 and 2023, indicating a promising path toward increased solar deployment. However, a significant hydropower decline in 2025 of 6.4 TWh calls for enhanced resilience in Chile's electricity generation strategies to overcome such setbacks and further harness the potential of low-carbon sources. This historical landscape underlines the importance of sustaining and accelerating these efforts to secure a cleaner energy future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

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