Solar contribution to the electrical system grows almost six times in six months
According to the installed capacity of each of these energies, wind accounts for 40% (682 MW), biomass 27% (461 MW), small hydro 20% (342 MW), solar 12% (189 MW) and biogas only 3% (43 MW).
The contribution of Non Conventional Renewable Energy (NCRE) to the entire electrical system-considering both the Central Interconnected System (SIC) and the North (SING) – has increased sharply in the last six months. All of these energies, which considers the hydraulic (mini-hydro), wind, biomass and solar grew 27% from January to July 2014, according to a study made by the Center for Economic Load Dispatch (CDEC) and the SIC.
But among all these energies, the strongest increase in injections to the system comes from the solar system, which went from 5.78 GWh in January this year to 32.90 GWh in July, which means an increase of 469% compared to water sources, which showed an increase of 16%, wind (37%) and biomass (6%).
According to the installed capacity of each of these energies, wind accounts for 40% (682 MW), biomass 27% (461 MW), small hydro 20% (342 MW), solar 12% (189 MW) and biogas only 3% (43 MW), according to the latest report issued by the August Renewable Energy Centre (CER).
It exceeds the goal
The Government, as part of the Agenda for Energy, was proposed to lift the barriers to existing NCRE, compromising that 45% of electricity generation capacity to be installed in the country between 2014 and 2025 comes from such sources. This, to meet the goal of a 20% injection of this type of energy in the electricity system by 2025, according to the law. As the figures show, the goal is being achieved. And it seems that is being met more than one goal.-
Some months ago the CEO of Acera, guild gathers NCRE generators, Carlos Finat, recognized that the goal probably is exceeded. And in fact the Government considers that the NCRE capacity will reach 2,000 MW this year.
According to CER, and the last half of the year, the NCRE completed 1,716 MW of installed capacity-which is equivalent to 8.7% of the installed power in both systems-led by wind power with more than 680 MW.
According to a study made by the CDEC-SIC released in June, the system has no capacity to absorb the supply of existing NCRE. The document states that the maximum simultaneous injection of wind and photovoltaic generation in the north of the SIC is about 1,100 MW.
From January to July 2014 have entered the matrix NCRE 600.9 MW, while all 2013 entered 291.9 MW, says the report of the CER. Currently there are 487 MW of solar plants under construction, while projects already entered the EIA system exceed 17,000 MW. These initiatives have solar energy as protagonist with more than 6,100 MW in its Resolution of Environmental Qualification (RCA) already approved.
Chile, among the 15 most attractive countries to invest in NCRE
The country is number 13 of a ranking among 40 countries worldwide, which measures how attractive place is to invest in each NCRE, according to a study made by EY (formerly Ernst & Young).
This position involves advancing a post from last year, when it was number 14 (10). Alongside with Brazil are the only Latin American countries included in the ranking. José Luis García-Huidobro, EY sustainability leader, explains that Chile’s rise can be attributed to the number of such projects have been approved in recent times, in addition to the carbon tax proposed tax reform.
“This is added to the Energy Agenda, which certainly provides guidelines for sustainable energy development.” He adds: “The potential of renewable energy for our country varies as technologies become more efficient, new research areas open and, therefore, innovation. To consolidate ourselves in this business need good experiences to develop projects been made with a focus on environmental social sustainability will be replicated. “
Source: El Mercurio
