Chilean coastline to provide a major source of energy generationPublished: march 3, 2009
According to a study made by the Inter-American Development Bank, IDB, Chile has extraordinary natural resources for the development of wave energy. The institution conducted a study of the country´s marine energy potential, and determined there is tremendous potential in both wave and tidal energy on the Chilean coast.
The report determines criteria for project selection and identifies locations to establish projects. It also indicates the need to measure the potential in certain areas of the country, and establishes that it is necessary to review site planning and existing infrastructure to take advantage of the opportunities marine energy might generate.
Experts from the IDB met with Energy Minister, Marcelo Tokman, and the Chilean Economic Development Agency (CORFO) Executive Vice- President (CEO), Carlos Alvarez, on Wednesday, February 25th. After the meeting, Minister Tokman said the report confirms, with accurate data, that Chile has great potential in tidal energy. The document also provides guidelines for the development of this new energy source.
"The results show the tremendous potential of Chile and the importance of turning this challenge into a reality. We must generate the conditions and information necessary in order to take advantage of investment opportunities in this area", remarked Carlos Alvarez, CORFO Executive Vice- President.
Minister Tokman stated that the country is taking the necessary steps in order to "be ready to exploit the potential that Chile has in this type of energy". He added that initiatives aimed at the development of new sources of energy should be included in the government?s extensive infrastructure plan.
"I have no doubt that, in the future, our electrical grid will include not only conventional sources, but also all non-conventional renewable energies: mini-hydro, solar, biomass, wind, geothermal and tidal", the Minister added.
Stimulus from the IDB The study was conducted by the Inter-American Development Bank, CORFO and the National Energy Commission (NEC), under the direction of NEC´s renewable energy specialist Juan Paredes. Technical advice was provided by Garrad Hassan & Partners Consulting Group, led by marine energy specialist Joao Cruz.
IDB consultants visited the Chacao Channel, one of the locations with the highest potential for tidal energy in the country. They indicated the need to promote research and study of these new technologies in Chile, thereby creating a new market in the country one that can export knowledge and development to the world.
"We are supporting different activities associated with the development of such energy in Chile and the rest of the region. Currently, this is in its early stages, but it is being developed as a great opportunity which will allow Chile to participate in future technological development", declared the IDB representative in Chile, Jaime Sujoy.
Source: Energy National Commission