International 
Promotion of solar energy in Chile
As of: July 2021
Solar power and heating is encountering growing interest in Chile thanks to the falling costs of the solar equipment. According to studies, the north of the country in particular has an immense potential for solar energy that has so far been virtually untapped. As part of the German Climate and Technology Initiative (DKTI), the project continues the commitment to support the market launch of grid-based renewable energies such as wind and solar power. Implemented by the KfW (German Development Bank), the project is the financial cooperation module of the joint project of the same name, which also includes a technical cooperation module. The financial cooperation components enable needs-based and efficient access to loans for a first commercial solar thermal power plant (CSP). The project also organises training courses for banks that make use of the credit line.
Joint project
State of implementation/results
- Project completed.
- The project participated in the advisory committee of the strategic solar programme (among others "solarisation" of the mining sector).
- Five scholarships (3-6 months) were awarded for Chilean experts to deepen their research on CSP in research institutes in Germany and Spain.
- A software tool for business calculations of renewable energy sources was developed.
- Together with the two grid operators and the regulatory authority, work was carried out to adapt and adopt a set of technical standards for grid connection (grid code) and to improve the integration of renewable energy.
- Support for the project has resulted in photovoltaic (PV) systems with a total capacity of more than 1,000 MW already being installed in Chile in 2016.
- A "round table" of the Chilean Ministry of Energy on the topic of expansion and integration of renewable energy as a basis for Chile's long-term energy planning (70% renewable energy in the electricity mix by 2050) was supported by the project.
- Numerous trainings, workshops and seminars as well as excursions to the CSP/PV power plant in northern Chile (Operation start in June 2021, expected capacity: CSP: 110 MW el; PV: 100 MWp) were carried out.
- Cooperation with the training centre of the Chilean University of Antofagasta was organised (here, among other things, twelve train-the-trainers for the construction of large PV plants were trained).
- Factsheet: Promoting Solar Energy in Chile.
Project data
- Country:
- Chile
- Implementing organisation:
- KfW Entwicklungsbank
- Political partner(s):
- Ministry of Finance - Chile
- Implementing partner(s):
- Chilean Economic Development Agency (CORFO) - Chile
- Ministry of Energy - Chile
- BMU grant:
- 12.000.000,00 €
- Duration:
- 07/2014 till 12/2021
