José Adolfo Moreno, partner at Moreno Sáez Avilés, examines the main challenges facing Chile’s energy development, highlighting the need to improve environmental regulation and the permitting system. He points out the risks of overregulation, long legal appeal processes, and issues with public and indigenous consultations. He also emphasizes the essential role of legal professionals in supporting a just and investment-friendly energy transition.

Lutz Kindermann, General Manager of wpd Chile, highlights the key challenges the country faces in its journey towards a sustainable energy transition. He notes that despite positive initiatives like the Decarbonisation Plan, Chile’s electricity system is not yet equipped to handle the high penetration of renewable energy. In particular, he criticises the lack of integration between different generation scales, the outdated wholesale market, and the limitations in transmission infrastructure. Additionally, he underscores the need for a comprehensive reform of both environmental and electrical regulations to ensure the competitiveness and efficiency of the renewable sector. According to Kindermann, Chile’s economic growth largely depends on a structural shift in its energy approach, stressing the urgency of implementing coherent policies to attract investment and meet decarbonisation goals.

AES Argentina’s $150 million investment to expand its Vientos Bonaerenses wind farm will add 102.4 MW to the national grid, significantly boosting the country’s renewable energy output. This strategic project will create 400 local jobs and help Argentina move closer to its energy transition goals, reinforcing the company’s leadership in the country’s clean energy sector.