Santiago, April 2, 2025 – Chile’s electricity matrix reached a new milestone in the first quarter of 2025, with non-conventional renewable energy (NCRE) sources setting a record share in total power generation. Data released by the National Electric Coordinator (CEN) on Tuesday revealed a significant increase in wind and solar energy contributions, while thermal and hydroelectric generation declined.
According to CEN’s daily operation summary for March 31, NCRE sources produced a total of 9.49 TWh in the first three months of the year, marking a 5.3% increase compared to 2024. This output accounted for 44% of the National Electric System’s (SEN) total generation of 21.49 TWh, surpassing the 41% share recorded in the same period last year and reinforcing the growing dominance of clean energy sources.
Surge in Wind and Solar Energy
The quarter’s results showed that wind and solar plants were the primary drivers of growth, alongside Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), the only technologies that registered year-on-year increases. Photovoltaic plants ranked second in individual contribution, generating 5.61 TWh, while wind farms followed with 2.89 TWh, trailing behind thermal and hydroelectric sources.
Wind energy production rose by 15% compared to the same period in 2024, while solar power generation increased by 5%. Meanwhile, battery storage systems saw an unprecedented 1,000% surge, from 0.03 TWh in 2024 to 0.33 TWh this year.
Ana Lía Rojas, Executive Director of the Chilean Association of Renewable Energy and Storage (Acera), praised the strong penetration of renewables, highlighting that wind and solar power now account for over 40% of daily electricity generation. “This confirms Chile’s leadership in NCRE,” she stated.
Storage technology is also making strides, with daily contributions reaching 4.59 GWh, equivalent to 2.03% of total daily generation. Rojas emphasized that storage growth is a strategic milestone that will help manage renewable energy surpluses, reduce curtailments, and enhance grid flexibility.
Increase in Fossil Fuel Generation Amid Grid Constraints
Despite the overall decline in thermal energy participation by 3.9% in 2025, March saw an uptick in coal and diesel-fired power generation. The CEN report recorded 35.4 GWh from diesel plants and 1,386.07 GWh from coal units, marking a 163.6% and 8.5% monthly increase, respectively, compared to March 2024.
The surge in fossil fuel usage was attributed to operational constraints following a nationwide blackout on February 25. The subsequent restrictions on the Nueva Maitencillo – Nueva Pan de Azúcar 500 kV transmission line, in effect from February 27 to March 19, limited energy transport between Vallenar and Coquimbo. The measure faced criticism from clean energy producers, who estimated financial losses exceeding $20 million due to curtailments.
Renewable Energy’s Growing Role in Chile’s Energy Transition
Solar energy accounted for 24.8% of daily generation and 50.2% of total NCRE production, while wind power contributed 20% of daily generation and 40.6% of NCRE output. Combined, these two sources represented nearly 80% of daily renewable generation and around 41% of total electricity production.
“These figures consolidate solar and wind as the leading NCRE sources, marking a significant step forward in Chile’s energy transition,” Rojas concluded.
With continued investment in renewables and storage solutions, Chile is poised to further expand its clean energy dominance, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and reinforcing its position as a regional leader in sustainable power generation.