How does Chile benefit from solar energy?

The country benefits from consistently strong winds in mountainous region of Patagonia and some of the world’s highest levels of solar radiation in the Atacama Desert. This predictable supply of wind and solar energy has led the Chilean government to estimate that 13% of the world’s green hydrogen will be produced within its borders.

What is green hydrogen & how does it work in Chile?

Green hydrogen, a clean energy source that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity, sits at the heart of Chile’s energy transition. Chile’s National Green Hydrogen Strategy calls for incorporating green hydrogen into the country’s mining and commodity sectors, as well as other carbon-reliant local supply chains.

Will Chile replace coal plants with solar thermal plants?

As coal plants are eliminated, Chile intends to replace them with solar thermal plants or convert them into batteries like the Alba Project. The solar thermal tower Cerro Dominador has become a symbol of Chile’s energy revolution against climate change.

Is there an alternative to solar energy in Chile?

Chile has begun to explore an alternative. Both Cerro Dominador and the Alba Project are powered by so-called solar salts, extracted from the Atacama Desert, composed of potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate. When melted and kept in a liquid state, they allow energy to be stored.

Will Chile achieve net-zero emissions by 2050?

Last December, Chile’s centre-right government published the country’s first energy transition strategy, which provided targets for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, including accelerating solar, wind and geothermal energy across the country.

What is the energy partnership between Chile and Germany?

One of Chile’s most active renewable energy partnerships is with Germany. Under the Energy Partnership Chile-Germany, both countries share knowledge, organise training sessions and host facilitate renewable energy agreements between business leaders and policymakers.