Electricity generation from solar and wind sources will reach its highest level of participation ever recorded in the Chilean electricity system by 2025, consolidating them as one of the main pillars of the country's energy matrix.
According to operational data from CEN (National Electricity Coordinator), solar and wind power generation accounted for approximately 38% of all energy injected into the system throughout the year.
When combined with other renewable sources, such as hydroelectric power, these two technologies have increased the share of renewables to approximately two-thirds of the Chilean electricity mix.
The progress was supported both by the expansion of installed capacity and by improvements in the operation and coordination of the electrical system, which allowed the integration of increasing volumes of variable generation without compromising the security and continuity of supply.
At certain times in 2025, solar and wind power generation supplied up to 79% of the country's electricity demand. "The record share of solar and wind energy in 2025 demonstrates that the Chilean electricity system is moving towards a renewable energy matrix," noted Juan Carlos Olmedo, president of the Board of Directors of the National Electricity Coordinator.
Other sources and storage of energy
The system's annual statistical report also shows that hydroelectric generation fell by 23% in 2025, reflecting a drought scenario that places the year among the five driest in the historical series.
Conversely, coal-fired thermal power generation grew by 14,5%, while natural gas generation advanced by 6,5%, partially offsetting the reduction in hydroelectric power.
Furthermore, another highlight of the year was the accelerated incorporation of energy storage systems. By 2025, these solutions will account for electricity production equivalent to approximately 2 TWh, a volume more than four times greater than that generated by diesel power plants in the same period.
Currently, Chile has approximately 1.700 MW of installed capacity in storage systems, in addition to 600 MW in the testing phase. By 2026, the expectation is that approximately 4.500 MW of additional capacity, currently under construction, will be operational.
Costs and investments in transmission
Despite the adverse hydrological scenario, operating costs for the system in Chile remained around US$1,6 billion, a level similar to that recorded in 2024. Throughout 2025, the country also awarded new transmission projects, with investments estimated at US$120 million, in addition to additional resources allocated to expanding existing infrastructure.
The agency emphasized that it will continue to work on the planning, coordination, and operation of the electrical system, focusing on the efficient integration of new technologies, advancing the electrification of demand, and the continuous process of decarbonizing the Chilean energy matrix.
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