Electricity in Chile in 2023

As of 2023, Chile's electricity consumption shows a significant leaning towards low-carbon sources, with approximately 61% of its electricity generated from clean energy sources. Hydropower contributes around 29% to this total, while solar and wind power account for nearly 20% and 12%, respectively. Fossil energy sources, including gas at about 21% and coal at roughly 18%, make up the remaining 39%. This composition underscores Chile's commitment to reducing its reliance on fossil fuels, yet there's still substantial room for further reducing the carbon footprint of its electricity sector.

Suggestions

To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Chile can focus on expanding its existing wind and solar infrastructure. With substantial sunlight and favorable wind conditions, scaling up these technologies can significantly enhance clean electricity output. Looking at successful examples from around the world, Chile can draw inspiration from countries with high contributions from wind energy such as Denmark (53%) and Uruguay (35%), as well as nuclear energy contributors like France (65%) and Slovakia (62%). These countries demonstrate how strategic investments and supportive policies can drive a transition towards a greener electricity grid, providing Chile with a roadmap for enhancing its own low-carbon energy portfolio.

History

Chile's journey towards increasing low-carbon electricity has seen notable milestones over the years. In the early 1990s, hydropower saw significant increases, with 4.2 TWh in 1991 and 3.6 TWh in 1992. The period between 1997 and 2001 was marked by fluctuations, including notable declines in 1998 and 1999, followed by a recovery in 2000 and beyond. More recent years have witnessed significant growth in solar power, notably with an increase of 3.1 TWh in 2021 and 3.7 TWh in 2022. Hydropower, despite some declines in recent years, also saw an increase of 3.6 TWh in 2023. This historical context highlights Chile's consistent efforts to enhance its low-carbon electricity generation capacity, particularly through hydropower and solar energy.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources