There is no doubt that we are all concerned about the effects of climate change and that is why the country is working to accelerate the process of transition to cleaner and renewable energies in its energy matrix.
However, the decarbonization of the electrical system must be carried out gradually and in a scheduled manner, for which a series of enabling factors must be verified, so that the process of eliminating coal-fired thermal units is safe and efficient. What do I mean? Aspects related to the resilience and safety of electrical systems must be considered, as well as others associated with a correct technological change, and that the withdrawal of coal-fired plants does not mean a direct replacement by thermal units based on diesel, since this would not only imply an environmental contradiction, but also a significant increase in the cost of the operation of the Chilean electrical system.
The National Electric Coordinator, in its Security Report of August 8, 2024, warned about the risks that would be involved in the disconnection of thermal power plants, without adequate planning. Although the contribution of some plants that use fossil fuel would be maintained, in scenarios of drought and limitation of fuels such as gas and diesel, scenarios with uncertainty of electrical supply are projected. Likewise, it was noted that the early disconnection of certain units could increase the risks of shortages and negatively affect service recovery plans.
Finally, the Coordinator recommends conditioning the withdrawal of the plants to a series of enabling conditions, including the reconversion of a plant located in the north of the country, in order to minimize the risk of supply in the system. Regarding a closure around the years 2030-2035, there is consensus that the necessary minimum enabling factors are required to make such a withdrawal viable, which are subject to significant risks and conditions for their materialization.
These enabling factors are related to: the commissioning of the Kimal-Lo Aguirre HVDC Project; the existence of a portfolio of new renewable and storage projects between 22-35 GW, integrating renewable power plants into the participation of security attributes and advancing in new electrical transmission and distribution networks, among others. For this reason, it is worth asking: Is it time? The answer depends on the effective implementation of these enabling factors. The transition must be careful and well planned to avoid risks of shortages, high operating costs and an impact on the environment.
The National Electrical Coordinator, in its Safety Report of August 8, 2024, warned of the risks that would be involved in the disconnection of thermal power plants, without adequate planning.
