Chile Energy Information

Chile Energy Research

- Chile's Energy & Climate Policy Framework: Chile aims for 80% renewable energy by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050, phasing out coal by 2040. The Ministry of Energy oversees policy, while the Environment Ministry handles climate change. Key bodies include the National Energy Commission (CNE) and the Superintendence of Electricity and Fuels (SEC). The electricity sector is privatised, with regulated and free markets. Renewable energy targets are supported by auctions and a Renewable Portfolio Standard. Chile also promotes green hydrogen and energy efficiency, with a Climate Law ensuring carbon neutrality by 2050.

- Chile's Energy Companies: Enel leads Chile's energy sector, dominating electricity generation (38%) and distribution (50%). Key players include Colbún and AES Chile, with significant renewable energy capacities. ENAP oversees oil and gas, while distribution networks are managed by firms like Copec and Metrogas.

- Chile's Energy Supply & Demand: Chile's energy mix has shifted significantly, with renewables now dominating at 59% in 2024, up from 40% in 2019. Total energy consumption reached 42 Mtoe in 2024, with oil leading at 43%. The country boasts substantial renewable potential, particularly in solar and wind. Electricity generation has grown, with renewables accounting for 62% of output, reducing CO₂ emissions by 44% since 2019. Chile remains reliant on imports for oil and gas, while coal use has declined sharply. GHG emissions have decreased, with CO₂ per capita expected to halve by 2050.

- Chile's Energy Use & Price by Sector: "Final energy consumption has remained stable since 2022, with industry as the largest consumer (39%). Oil dominates (56%), while electricity's share is rising. Industry and transport demand increased significantly since 2010, with stable energy prices."

- Chile's Issues & Prospects: Chile is advancing its 2050 zero-emission energy roadmap, with 9 GW of wind and solar projects under construction and 50 GW in development. The plan includes phasing out coal, expanding renewables, and promoting green hydrogen. Key projects involve gas-to-renewable conversions, hydro storage, and international transmission links.

Chile Total Energy Production & Consumption

Total energy consumption increased by 4% in 2024 to 42 Mtoe, after decreasing by 4% in 2023 and increasing by 5%/year from 2020 to 2022. It progressed by 3.6%/year between 2014 and 2019 and dropped by 9% in 2020.

Graph: Primary Consumption Trends by Energy Source

Source: Chile energy report

Interactive Chart Chile Total Energy Production & Consumption

Source: Global Energy & CO₂ data

Chile Oil Production & Consumption

Oil production is negligible (0.4 Mt in 2024). Imports consisted of 9.9 Mt of crude oil and 9.3 Mt of oil products in 2024.

The Arica pipeline makes oil trades possible with Bolivia. Through an agreement signed in 1992, Chile authorized the bidirectional use of the pipeline and the storage of oil, rendering facilities suitable for both exportation and importation.

Source: Chile energy report

Interactive Chart Chile Crude Oil Production & Consumption

Source: Global Energy & CO₂ data

Interactive Chart Chile Refined Oil Products Production & Consumption

Source: Global Energy & CO₂ data

Chile Natural Gas Production & Consumption

Gas production is low (1.7 bcm in 2024) and is primarily intended for the supply of the Methanex methanol plant in the south of Chile.

Gas imports have been rising since 2008 with the commissioning of two LNG import terminals in 2009 and 2010. Imports grew by 11%/year until 2022 and dropped by 4% in 2024 (5.1 bcm).

Graph: Gas Production & Consumption

Source: Chile energy report

Interactive Chart Chile Gas Production & Consumption

Source: Global Energy & CO₂ data

Chile Coal and Lignite Production & Consumption

Coal production has almost ceased since 2021 (0.2 Mt in 2024). Production rose from 0.7 Mt in 2012 to 4.2 Mt in 2014 with the start of the Mina Invierno coal mine.

Coal consumption has decreased by 20%/year since 2021 because of the shut-down of 1.3 GW of coal-fired capacity. Previously, coal consumption had increased regularly since 2000, reaching 14 Mt in 2019 (4.6 Mt in 2000 and 7 Mt in 2010) with the commissioning of several coal power plants.

Graph: Coal Production & Consumption

Source: Chile energy report

Interactive Chart Chile Coal and Lignite Production & Consumption

Source: Global Energy & CO₂ data

Chile Renewable in % Electricity Production

The development of renewables is under the responsibility of the Sustainable Energy Department of the Ministry of Energy.

The 2022 National Energy Policy sets targets of 80% of the electricity mix from renewables in 2030 (60% from non-conventional renewables) and 100% zero emissions in 2050.

The National Heat and Cooling Strategy (2021) targets 80% of "sustainable" energy used for heat and cooling by 2050 (and 45% by 2030). It seeks to enhance the electrification of thermal needs, replacing fossil fuels and firewood, and to tackle fuel poverty.

Source: Chile energy report

Interactive Chart Chile Share of Renewables in Electricity Production (incl hydro)

Source: Global Energy & CO₂ data

Chile GHG emissions and CO₂ emissions

In its revised NDC (2020), Chile is committed to becoming carbon neutral in 2050 and set an intermediate objective of 95 MtCO2eq emissions (excluding LULUCF) by 2030 (a 23% cut compared to its first NDC).

In 2022, a Climate Law came into force, confirming carbon neutrality by 2050. The Environment Ministry is in charge of assessing the progress every 5 years. The national targets set by the NDC and LTS will be set out in regional and local climate policies.

Source: Chile energy report

Interactive Chart Chile CO₂ emissions

Source: Global Energy & CO₂ data