Chile's renewables may reach 27% by 2025 - report

Oct 21, 2014 - Chile may boost its non-conventional renewable energy generation to 27% of its total installed capacity by 2025 from 8.9% now if all projects are developed on schedule, daily El Mercurio said last week, quoting data of local think tank Corporacion de Bienes de Capital (CBC).

Renewable energy, excluding hydro plants of over 20 MW, represents 58% of Chile's package of power projects totaling 12,101 MW at the end of June. Although most renewable energy projects have obtained environmental permits, some may not reach development due to possible withdrawal or failure to secure power purchase contracts and viability.

The package includes 106 renewable energy projects worth some USD 20 billion (EUR 15.69bn), 31 of which are already in operation or construction, while a total 4,273 MW will be installed in Antofagasta and Atacama regions. The Quillagua and Javiera solar parks, the Molina bioenergy plant and the Punta Palmeras I wind farm are among the advanced projects.

The Chilean government estimates that 45% of the new capacity between 2014 and 2025 should be renewable energy so as to achieve a 20% share of the electricity supplies at the end of the period.

(USD 1 = EUR 0.785)

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