Chile launches land concessions to develop renewable energy projects

Chile’s ministry of national assets launched yesterday an auction to concession 2,896 hectares of land available for renewable energy projects in Arica and Parinacota.

The tender documents were published yesterday on the website of Chile's state secretariat.

The Chilean government is trying to diversify its energy mix. As of December 2015, the country has awarded concessions for 50,528 hectares for renewable energy projects with a total capacity of over 8.4 GW. These projects will be located in the regions of Arica and Parinacota, Tarapaca, Antofagasta, Atacama and Mauleand will have a total investment of US$16.9 billion.

The operator of Chile’s central power system (SIC) recently announced the share of renewable energy in all power produced in Chile has risen to nearly 11.5% in 2015 from around 8.5% a year ago.