Chile has set an ambitious target to convert 70% of its total energy consumption to renewables by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2050. The positive climate news comes through broad-based political support, public-private partnerships, and innovative green technologies. Chile offers a playbook for policymakers around the world to transition towards renewable energy.
As the effects of climate change become increasingly evident, countries around the world are grappling with how to reduce carbon emissions without causing economic harm. Chile, a high-income industrialized economy with a population of 19.6 million people, offers a playbook for policymakers worldwide looking to transition towards renewable energy. Through broad-based political support, public-private partnerships, and innovative green technologies, Chile has accelerated its energy transition and aims to convert 70% of its total energy consumption to renewables by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2050. Here’s how Chile achieved its renewable energy transition:
There has been political unanimity. With 91% of Chileans believing that climate change should be a government priority, Chile’s clean energy transition has had broad-based political support from parties across the political spectrum. Chile’s centre-right government published the country’s first energy transition strategy, with targets for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, including the acceleration of solar, wind, and geothermal energy.
Public-private partnerships have also been instrumental in accelerating Chile’s energy transition, particularly in the green hydrogen market. Chile’s National Green Hydrogen Strategy calls for incorporating green hydrogen into the mining and commodity sectors, as well as carbon-reliant local supply chains. The Chilean government has already pledged $50 million to fund six projects aimed at advancing the national green hydrogen industry.
Diplomacy helps. Chile is leveraging its progressive renewable energy credentials to become an important diplomatic player in international climate negotiations. The country has established strong public-private ties with the United States, including touring an electrical energy facility where American companies and the Chilean government are working together to accelerate renewable energy production.
Chile has also made renewable energy and gender equality a priority, launching Energía + Mujer to improve diversity and inclusion in the male-dominated energy sector. The country is also receiving support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to promote equal pay and gender parity within the renewable energy sector.
Chile has set an example for the world to follow by providing a blueprint for a successful energy transition. Political buy-in, public-private partnerships, establishing friendships abroad, and promoting diversity and inclusion can drive change and accelerate the transition towards renewable energy. Chile’s success in transitioning towards renewable energy provides hope for the future of the planet, offering a shining example of positive climate news for the world to follow.
Click here to view the original web page at: How Chile is becoming a leader in renewable energy
