Chile renewables chamber launches territorial management studies call

Chilean renewable energy and energy storage association Acera is seeking expressions of interest in a potential studies tender.

A central objective of the contract – if eventually put out to tender and awarded – would involve obtaining an overview of the state of play in the sphere of territorial management regulations and proposing associated improvements to help spur renewables, storage and other types of electric power infrastructure.

The work would fall under the umbrella of Acera research into conditions necessary to support the energy transition in Chile. The country is retiring its fleet of coal-fired power stations and aims to become carbon neutral by 2050, goals that will require action on various fronts including permitting, regulations, grid infrastructure and land-use planning. Replacing just coal-fired capacity - without considering demand growth stemming from electrification and economic expansion - would require at least 15GW of new plants.  

Chile's energy ministry, in its budget proposal, sought funds for territorial planning. Work in this area is also seen as important in the context of green hydrogen, where some export-focused facilities will require large swathes of land for associated renewables parks. 

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Expressions of interest are due by January 17. If the tender process proceeds, it would get underway January 23. Bids would be due end-March and work would get underway around end-April, lasting no longer than 10 months.

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