British Embassy Santiago Unveils Key Recommendations to Propel Offshore Wind Development in Chile

On 12 August, four studies commissioned by ORE Catapult, the UK’s foremost innovation centre for offshore renewable energy, will be unveiled at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Santiago. These studies provide valuable recommendations aimed at fostering the development of offshore wind energy in Chile.

Event Overview and Key Participants

The event will be inaugurated by David Concar, the British Ambassador to Chile, and will feature a presentation outlining the principal findings of the studies. Following this, a panel discussion titled “Next Steps for Offshore Wind in Chile” will take place. The panel will include representatives from various organisations, such as the Ministry of Energy, InvestChile, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, and the Centre for the Transition towards Resilient and Autonomous Electric Systems (CENTRA).

Insights from the Studies

The findings indicate that Chile possesses exceptional conditions for establishing a competitive offshore wind industry. However, a series of complementary actions will be necessary to convert this potential into tangible projects. Key actions highlighted include the enhancement of regulatory and permitting frameworks, improved coordination among public institutions, timely planning of electricity transmission infrastructure, and the development of local capabilities, a skilled workforce, and domestic supply chains.

Moreover, the research emphasises the significance of adopting an integrated approach to sector development. This involves aligning energy, port, and spatial planning with a long-term strategy that offers certainty to investors and facilitates the successful implementation of future projects.

Opportunities for Economic Growth

The reports identify substantial opportunities for regional economic advancement, particularly through offshore wind initiatives. They underscore the potential for revitalising strategic ports, attracting new industrial investments, and creating highly skilled jobs, especially in industrial regions such as Biobío.

Recommendations Based on Collaborative Research

The recommendations stem from the UK’s experiences, site visits, and consultations with stakeholders from both nations. They encompass essential areas for sector development, including ports, electricity transmission, maritime planning, energy policy, workforce development, environmental considerations, and supply chains. The aim is to facilitate the establishment of a competitive, scalable, and appealing market for private investment.

These studies were produced by ORE Catapult as part of an initiative led by the British Embassy in Santiago, with funding from the UK Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.

Access to the Reports

For those interested, the reports are available for download:

• Recommendations for Offshore Wind Development in Chile – PDF, 1,020 KB, 51 pages
• Strategic Assessment of Port Capacity in Chile – PDF, 1.92 MB, 40 pages
• Skills and Workforce for Offshore Wind in Chile – PDF, 788 KB, 25 pages
• HVDC Bootstraps for Grid Reinforcement and Offshore Wind Integration – PDF, 881 KB, 29 pages
• Recomendaciones para el desarrollo de la energía eólica marina en Chile – PDF, 1.09 MB, 55 pages
• Evaluación estratégica de la capacidad portuaria en Chile – PDF, 2.14 MB, 43 pages
• Habilidades y mano de obra para la energía eólica marina en Chile – PDF, 1,020 KB, 18 pages
• Sistemas de arranque HVDC para el refuerzo de la red eléctrica y la integración de la energía eólica marina – PDF, 1.29 MB, 24 pages

Further Information and Engagement

For further details regarding these reports, please reach out to the British Embassy in Santiago. To stay updated on the activities of the British Embassy, you can follow their social media channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Flickr.