Chile’s Energy Landscape: Sources and Distribution
Energy Sources in Chile
Chile possesses diverse energy sources, categorized by renewability and origin.
Primary Energy
Primary energy refers to natural resources used directly or indirectly for energy, including:
- Renewable: Hydropower (rivers, waves), solar, wind.
- Non-renewable: Oil, coal, geothermal, nuclear.
Primary energy is extracted or captured without transformation.
Secondary Energy
Secondary energy results from transforming primary sources, such as:
- Electricity
- Petroleum products (gasoline, diesel)
- Manufactured gas
Transformation can be physical, chemical, or biochemical.
Geographic Location of Primary Energy
Crude Oil
Primarily from Region XII (onshore and offshore), with reserves around 30 million barrels.
Coal
Major mines in Regions VIII, IX, and XII, with estimated reserves of 155 million tonnes.
Natural Gas
From Region XII, with reserves estimated at 45 billion cubic meters.
Water
Hydropower potential across the country except Regions II and XII, with around 4,130 MW installed out of 24,000 MW.
Wood
Available from Regions IV to XII, expected to maintain consumption levels.
Biogas
Currently extracted from landfills in the Metropolitan Region.
Solar Energy
Abundant in Regions I and II.
Wind Energy
Available throughout the country, especially in coastal areas.
Map of Secondary Energy
Liquid Fuels
Processing plants in Regions V, VIII, VII, and XII, with a refining capacity of 34,300 cubic meters per day.
Electricity Generation
Hydropower is the main source (about 50%), followed by fossil fuels.
Hydroelectric Plants
Located in Regions I, IV, V, RM, VI, VII, VIII, and X.
Thermal Power Plants
Located across the country (Regions I to XII), using coal, natural gas, diesel, or fuel oil.
Oil Prices
Global oil prices vary based on origin and characteristics.
Reference Oils
WTI (West Texas Intermediate) and Brent Blend are widely used benchmarks.
- WTI: Light and sweet, used in the U.S. market.
- Brent: Light and sweet, used in European, African, and Middle Eastern markets.
1 barrel = 42 gallons