The Role of Renewable Energy in the Transition Toward a Fully Sustainable Energy System in Chile Across Power, Heat, Transport and Desalination Sectors
Abstract
This study reveals that an energy system based on 100% renewable resources in Chile could be technically feasible and even more cost-efficient than the current system. This transition would imply a high level of electrification across all sectors, direct and indirectly. Simulation results using the LUT Energy System Transition model show that the primary electricity demand would rise from 31.1 TWh to 231 TWh by 2050, which represent about 78% of the total primary energy demand. Renewable electricity will mainly come from wind and solar energy technologies. Consequently, levelised cost of energy will be reduced in about 25%. Chileans energy system in 2050 would emit zero greenhouse gases. Additionally, it would become a country free of energy imports.