Chile's head of energy and mining ministries announced that non-conventional renewable energy sources (NCRES) will account for 40% of its energy matrix by 2030. In the coming weeks, the government will submit to Congress a bill that seeks to double the national electric system's proportion of NCRES, from 20% to 40% by the end of 2030.
Category: Public policy
Information related to political affairs that have an impact on Chile’s economic development.
Chile extends economic aid to families to September
President Piñera approved a law to give families the economic aid to alleviate the impact of the pandemic until September. This will reach 100% of those registered in the Social Registry of Households (RSH) and will benefit 15.1 million people. A one-person household will be paid $177,000, a 3-person household will receive $400,000 and a 4-person household will get $500,000. This is from June to August. In September, beneficiaries will receive 50% of the amount.
Chile proposes a high seas MPA on the Salas and Gomez and Nazca ridges
With more than 41% of its waters already covered by marine protected areas (MPAs), Chile has proposed creating a high seas MPA on the Salas and Gomez and Nazca ridges. The idea was introduced by President Sebastián Piñera at the virtual climate summit held by US President Joe Biden in April. Piñera said “it’s not enough” to protect only national waters, especially considering the global call to protect 30 percent of the ocean by 2030.
Chile announces the launch of a mobility pass to allow interregional travel for vaccinated people
The president of Chile, Sebastián Piñera, announced the introduction of "a mobility pass" that would grant "greater freedom and mobility" to the people who completed the vaccination process against COVID-19 and will allow them to make interregional trips in communes in phase two. However, Piñera warned that these measured "must be accompanied by greater responsibility," and urged everyone to continue respecting measures to prevent the spread of the disease. The launch of the "mobility pass" is in line with plans to launch a "green" card and passport in Chile.
Chamber of Deputies approves bills that creates a mining royalty & a one-time tax on high net worth
The Chamber of Deputies approved two bills: one that creates a one-time tax on high net worth and one that creates a mining royalty. Both initiatives received 18 votes in favor, all of the opposition and 13 against which were from the ruling party.
Independents set for victory in constitution vote
Chile's ruling center-right coalition has failed to secure control of the body that will rewrite the country's constitution, according to early results of a vote that has been called the most important in Chile since the fall of its military dictatorship in 1990. On Saturday and Sunday, Chileans cast ballots to elect 155 delegates who will be tasked with drafting the new constitution. With more than 90% of ballots counted, projections show that President Piñera's coalition, Chile Vamos, has secured just 21% of the votes, according to the electoral authority Servel. Independent candidates are expected to take more than 40% of the seats. Candidates aligned with left-wing parties received a third of the total vote.
Chile plans to close half of coal-fired plants by 2025
Chile plans to close half of its coal-fired power plants by 2025, 15 years ahead of a deadline to eliminate the fossil fuel from its power mix, Energy Minister Juan Carlo Jobet stated. Under an initial agreement signed by the government and power companies in June 2019, 8 plants with 1,000 MW of installed capacity were due to close by 2024. 6 were taken offline by the end of last year. Since then, AES Gener, Enel and Engie have all brought forward commitments to close plants by that date, lifting the installed capacity to close by 2025 to almost 2,900 MW.
Chilean Government launches 30 mn tender for green hydrogen projects
The Chilean government has issued a call for tenders for the development of green hydrogen production projects of 10 MW and above. The government is offering to award up to $30 million to one or more projects, which should become operational no later than December 2025. The tender process is open to national and foreign companies. Prospective bidders have until July to make inquiries about the tender, while applications should be submitted by September.
Chile’s borders to remain closed throughout May
Chilean authorities decided not to reopen the borders throughout May to try to prevent the entry into the country of new strains of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, Health Undersecretary Paula Daza announced. In Santiago, which is under full quarantine, starting Thursday ten communes will go to phase two within the government's step by step plan. On the other hand, various regions in the country which had been spared from a full lockdown will go back to phase 1 since the containment of COVID-19 cases has not turned out as expected.
Chile port & copper workers protest over pensions policy
Workers at major ports and copper mines in Chile are joining a nationwide protest over pensions policy this week that is set to end with a day-long stoppage on April 30. Around 8,000 workers at 25 port terminals are expected to join the protest, according to the Chilean Portworkers Union. Union leaders demand that the President sign into legislation a policy approved by lawmakers, allowing employees to withdraw up to 10% of their pensions savings to help compensate for the impact of the pandemic.
