Key takeaways from Chile’s Re+ Cono sur

From pv magazine LatAm

Chile’s Energy Minister Ximena Rincón called on the country to take a more proactive role in advancing renewable energy, storage, electromobility, and efficiency at the RE+ Southern Cone Summit in Santiago.

Speaking at the March 25–26 event at the Estación Mapocho Cultural Center, Rincón said Chile must move beyond a passive approach and accelerate deployment across key energy sectors. She pointed to earlier policy efforts, including net billing legislation, as part of the country’s transition away from fossil fuels.

Rincón said Chile has positioned itself as a regional leader in renewable energy, but now faces the challenge of reducing system losses and improving efficiency. She highlighted growing momentum behind energy storage and batteries, and pointed to the country’s copper and water resources as potential enablers for large-scale projects such as renewable-powered data centers.

The minister also stressed the need for inclusive energy policies, particularly in housing, to ensure access to energy solutions beyond higher-income groups.

On hydrogen, she said Chile must prepare for future deployment despite the technology still being in early stages of development.

Rincón concluded that continued growth in renewable energy will depend on investment in enabling infrastructure, particularly in storage and transmission.