High costs of energy due to a severe drought that has severely impaired hydro power plants coupled with restrictions in the capacity of transmission systems has once again put renewable energy in the sight of authorities as a way to decrease reliance of hydro and coal-based electricity.
Also the campaign promise of President PiƱera to reach a goal that 20 percent of the energy demand in Chile is supplied by renewable energy by 2020, provides the political backdrop required for new legislation.
Recently, the Chilean Senate approved a bill that would move to country toward more widespread adoption of non-conventional renewable energies.