As of 2024, Chile's electricity consumption showcases a commendable emphasis on low-carbon energy sources, which account for more than 70% of the total electricity generated. These are primarily driven by hydropower, contributing almost 29%, and solar energy, which provides nearly 23%. Wind power, another significant contributor, adds about 12% to the mix. The use of fossil fuels for electricity remains substantial, however, with coal and gas each contributing nearly 15% of the electricity supply. While the overwhelming reliance on clean energy sources is promising, there remains room to further reduce the role of fossil fuels in Chile's electricity production, thereby minimizing climate change and air pollution impacts.
Data sources used on this page include IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Chile?
Recently, the demand for electricity in Chile has experienced a slight decline. The current per capita consumption stands at 4,473 kWh, a small dip from its previous peak of 4,532 kWh observed in 2022. This decrease of 59 kWh per person could be viewed with concern, especially when considering the broader demand-driven shifts towards electrification, which necessitate consistent growth in electricity availability. In contrast, the share of low-carbon electricity has seen a favorable upward trend, achieving a remarkable 3,147 kWh per person, surpassing the previous record set in 2023. This growth of 279 kWh per person is encouraging and highlights the potential for continued expansion of sustainable electricity generation.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Chile could focus on expanding its wind and solar capacities, as these sectors already play a substantial role in the energy landscape. Learning from regions with prominent low-carbon infrastructure could prove beneficial. For instance, Denmark and Iowa, where wind energy plays a predominant role with contributions around 58% and 60% respectively, serve as excellent examples of the potential gains from wind energy expansion. Additionally, Chile should consider integrating nuclear technology, as evidenced by the success in countries like France, Slovakia, and Ukraine, where nuclear power accounts for over half of their electricity generation. These regions illustrate how a robust combination of nuclear and renewable resources can sustainably meet the growing electricity needs.
History
Historically, Chile has demonstrated considerable growth in low-carbon electricity, particularly hydropower. The 1990s and early 2000s saw notable increases, peaking in 2000 with a rise of nearly 5 TWh. However, the sector faced setbacks during the late 2000s and early 2010s with periodic declines, which were offset by renewals in the subsequent years, especially with increased hydro and solar initiatives. More recently, the years of 2021 through 2024 marked a period of notable advancement in solar energy, with expansions of over 5 TWh in 2022 alone reinforcing Chile's commitment to clean electricity. This historical development underscores both the volatility that can accompany reliance on hydropower and the robust potential for growth within solar energy technologies.
