BiomassIn the central and southern areas of the country there is a large amount of biomass available to be used for the generation of electrical or thermal energy. Recent studies carried out by the Energy Commission, the Forestry Institute and the GTZ estimate a potential 1,400MW related with forestry and sawmill by-products. In the case of biogas, the generation potential could reach 600MW if landfills and agricultural waste are included.
Hydro
Various regions in Chile have geographic and climatic conditions which make them favourable for the exploitation of hydro energy. Mountainous areas throughout central and southern Chile, places such as continental Chiloé, and isolated areas from the Bío Bío region to the south, are especially suitable for plants.
Hydraulic energy is the most promising NCRE under current conditions. More than 60 projects, between 1 and 20 MW, are being developed - five operating and seven under construction. The country's geography and topography are conducive to the development of this type of energy and there is still significant potential, with several thousands of MW which remain unexploited. For example, in projects associated with irrigation channels alone, there is a potential of over 800MW.
Geothermal
Chile is located in what is known as the "Pacific Ring of Fire", an area of the planet with intense seismic and volcanic activity. The country has a number of areas where there is geothermal activity associated with the existence of volcanoes. Despite the country's enormous potential for the use of geothermal energy to generate electricity, the barrier to deep well exploration has impeded mass development of this technology. Based upon successful international experience, CORFO and the National Energy Commission (CNE) have designed incentives which reduce the operational risk and make private investment viable in geothermal energy. In addition, the National Geology and Mining Service carries out in-depth research at prioritised locations which are tendered for subsequent development.
WindChile has natural conditions favourable for the development of wind energy, particularly in coastal areas and in some valleys in the interior. The new regulations and higher energy prices have boosted the market in wind projects. Today there are 46 projects in development (1,565 MW) and a further 130MW under construction. Over the coming years, it is hoped that still more projects will be incorporated into the country's electrical systems. In recent years, a number of companies have begun to study energy potential in Chile in order to evaluate the viability of wind farms for the Central (SIC) and Norte Grande (SING) electrical systems. As a result, understanding of the potential of this resource in Chile is growing rapidly. Further information regarding this resource in Chile is available at the National Energy Commission website:
www.cne.cl