The insertion of renewables into the Chilean electricity market

Abstract

The Chilean electricity regulation introduced in 2008 an obligation to contract 10% of renewable energy, excluding large hydro, in the wholesale market. This paper assesses the impact of that obligation into the market, revises renewable projects that have been submitted for environmental assessment, the actual plants being built and the requirements they are imposing onto the transmission system as well as system operation. Challenges to investors introducing renewables are discussed.