Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-4-2011

Abstract

Little by little, Chile is plugging wind power into its otherwise conventional electricity grid. So far, however, the sectors contribution to the overall electricity supply remains minimal, leading some analysts to question whether the country's private energy providers are really ready to welcome the proverbial winds of change. Chile added the latest piece of its power puzzle this past February, when French multinational GDF Suez cut the ribbon on five new generators for its Monte Redondo wind park in the Coquimbo Region, roughly 325 km north of Santiago. With the expansion, Monte Redondo now boasts an installed capacity of 48 megawatts. GDF Suez, the world's largest utility, is Chile's fourth-leading electricity provider after Italian-owned Endesa; AES Gener, a US firm; and Colbún, a Chilean company. Together the four companies control more than 75% of the country's total power supply, estimated at roughly 15,700 MW.'

Language

English

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