Chile Approves $1B in Renewable Energy Projects to Boost Wind and Solar
Chile’s Committee of Ministers has approved three major renewable energy projects, unlocking over USD 1 billion in investment across the country. The approvals cover wind, solar PV, and hybrid projects, along with associated transmission infrastructure, strengthening Chile’s position as a leading renewable energy market in Latin America.
The first initiative, the Tarapacá Non-Conventional Renewable Energy (NCRE) project, is a hybrid solar PV and wind power plant located in Pozo Almonte (Tarapacá) and María Elena (Antofagasta), representing an investment of approximately USD 200 million. It will supply electricity to the Sistema Eléctrico Nacional through a dedicated transmission line.
The second project, the Rinconada Wind Farm, located in Laja and Los Ángeles (Biobío Region), combines wind and solar generation with grid connection infrastructure. The project is valued at USD 365 million.
The third approved initiative, the Los Coihues Wind Farm, spans El Carmen, Pemuco, and San Ignacio (Ñuble Region) and integrates wind and solar generation with transmission capacity to support grid integration, with an estimated investment of USD 470 million.
During the approval session, appeals against the projects were reviewed and dismissed, following technical assessments by the Servicio de Evaluación Ambiental. Environment Minister Francisca Toledo called the approvals a milestone for President José Antonio Kast’s administration, emphasizing a commitment to streamline environmental decision-making and accelerate renewable energy investment.
The government plans to hold at least one Committee of Ministers session per month to address pending claims, reduce bottlenecks, and support Chile’s long-term energy transition strategy, including expanded clean energy deployment and potential future integration of energy storage solutions.
Source: strategicenergy.eu
