11 July, London (The Net-Zero Circle) - As the energy transition accelerates, smart capital is shifting—not away from hydrocarbons entirely, but toward resilient assets that can anchor long-term transformation. A new $2 billion pipeline deal in Argentina is making waves, and for members of The Net-Zero Circle, it’s a development worth decoding. In a moment of geopolitical fragmentation and cautious capital, Argentina just sent a strong signal to the world: the race for resilient energy assets is not slowing down, it's getting smarter

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 In particular, he criticises the lack of integration between different generation scales, the outdated wholesale market, and the limitations in transmission infrastructure.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.