With an extension of more than 1,300 kilometers, Chile’s first HVDC line will transmit 3,000 MW from the north to the center of the country, in line with global trends in long-distance, low-emission energy infrastructure.
High voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission has become a strategic solution for transporting energy over long distances, reducing electrical losses, reinforcing system security and connecting large renewable sources. In Chile, this paradigm is materialized with the Kimal-Lo Aguirre project, the first HVDC line in the country, which will transmit 3,000 MW from Antofagasta to the central zone.
The project, executed by ISA Interchile, will have an extension of 1,346 km and a capacity of 600 kV, which will allow a more efficient integration of solar and wind energy generated in the north. Once in operation, it is expected to reduce more than 4 million tons of CO₂ per year, marking a milestone in the commitments to decarbonize the Chilean energy matrix.
Major global references in HVDC transmission
The Chilean development joins other emblematic projects in the world. In China, the Changji-Guquan line is currently the most powerful on the planet, with 3,324 km of extension, operating at 1,100 kV and a capacity of 12 GW. This connection between the west and east of the country has made it possible to reduce more than 30 million tons of CO₂ annually by massively integrating renewable energies.
In Europe, the Inelfe project, which links France and Spain with a 320 kV line and 2,000 MW of capacity, has doubled the electricity exchange capacity between the two countries, improving renewable integration and reducing emissions on the Iberian Peninsula by more than 1.2 million tons per year.
In North America, the HVDC system between Quebec and New England has been instrumental since the 1980s in transporting Canadian hydroelectric power to the United States. This 1,480 km, 2,000 MW line has avoided the emission of more than 10 million tons of CO₂ since its implementation.
Kimal-Lo Aguirre positions Chile among the energy elite
Another outstanding case is the Xlinks project, currently under development, which will connect Morocco to the United Kingdom by means of 3,800 km underwater HVDC cables. This initiative seeks to supply 10.5 GW of solar and wind power from the Moroccan desert to the UK market, avoiding up to 3.6 million tons of CO₂ per year.
In South America, the Xingu-Rio de Janeiro Bipole in Brazil leads with 2,500 km and 4,000 MW of capacity, transmitting power from Belo Monte to the southeast of the country. Its operation has enabled a drastic reduction in the use of thermal sources.
With the Kimal-Lo Aguirre project, Chile joins the select group of countries that are committed to HVDC technology as the backbone of their energy policy, improving system flexibility, reducing losses and moving towards a cleaner and more resilient electricity matrix.
