News
The impact of the ‘trade war’ on the development of the local lithium industry
April 29, 2025 As the United States considers imposing new tariffs on the import of critical minerals, experts agree that Chilean mining should continue to bet on lithium, with long-term investments and a focus on Asian markets. The so-called “trade war,” sparked by the United States’ decision to impose import restrictions and, more recently, by the possibility of setting new tariffs on critical minerals,…
UAI and Academic CENTRA present their 24th patent: an innovation that gives new life to defective solar panels
As part of the World Creativity and Innovation Week, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (UAI) announced the presentation of its 24th patent, a milestone that reinforces its commitment to the development of high-impact sustainable technologies. The patent application, whose principal inventor is Professor Felipe Larraín Benavides from the School of Engineering and Sciences, corresponds to a method and automated system for the recovery of defective solar panels….
Energy Resilience: A fundamental pillar to guarantee a reliable and continuous electricity supply.
April 28, 2025 Achieving this level of resilience requires strategic investments aimed at providing the system with greater flexibility, both in the temporal domain —the ability to adapt to fluctuations in demand or generation— and geographically, through the diversification and redundancy of its infrastructure. The latest studies on electrical resilience agree on an approach based on three fundamental pillars: risk anticipation, the ability to respond…
Seminar: Virtual Power Plants in Chile – Pathways to a Sustainable Future
April 29, 2025 This morning, the Center for Energy Transition (CENTRA) of Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez presented the policy brief “Regulatory and Policy Pathways for Implementing Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) in Chile” at a seminar held in the Entel Room of UAI’s Errázuriz campus, bringing together authorities, academics, and representatives from the electricity sector. The event was led by CENTRA researcher and Director of the Civil…
Talk: Sustainability and Sociotechnical Transitions to Reimagine the Future
April 15, 2025 The planetary polycrisis—ecological, economic, and geopolitical—requires sociotechnical transitions that integrate innovation, institutions, and cultural changes. Current policies are insufficient at both the global and local levels, and technological developments can deepen conditions of inequality. In this context, three key areas need to be developed: transformative resilience to move from incremental adaptation to structural change; multilevel governance and justice to align financing and…
Lights on the blackouts
April 10, 2025 Experts discuss the causes behind large-scale power outages, the existing gaps to prevent them, and, if they occur, how to quickly restore electricity. Multiple emotional states ran through the eight million Chileans who, on February 25, starting at 3:16 p.m., were affected by an unexpected and widespread power outage—both in terms of surface (from the regions of Arica and Parinacota to Los…
Technological development in wind farms: Bursts of innovation
April 10, 2025 In the old windmills, used for centuries to grind grain or pump water, lies the genesis of modern wind turbines. As highlighted in an article by Endesa, the transition from the former to the latter began at the end of the 19th century, when the industrial revolution and advances in electrical engineering enabled new developments. From that stage to the present, the…
Academics from the UAI Faculty of Engineering and Sciences lead a battery reuse project.
January 29, 2025 A team of academics from the School of Engineering and Sciences, composed of Professors Carlos Silva, Bernardo Severino, Luis Gutiérrez, and Felipe Larraín, has been awarded a grant in the first call of CORFO’s “R&D Challenges” program. This initiative is in collaboration with the Atamos Tec Corporation, the University of Nottingham, the French Research and Development Institute CEA Liten, and the University…
The urgent need to meet an unstoppable demand
April 3, 2025 The increase in energy demand and its cost has grown by about 20% over the past ten years, and this fact is relevant in a market such as mining. In the coming years, there will necessarily be a strong introduction of new energy sources, based on energy efficiency as a basic principle. About this present and future, we spoke with representatives from…
Energy transition expert talks hydrogen investment, project permitting, Trump fallout
April 1st, 2025 Like Chile, Canada is aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. One target of both countries is the power generation sector. Canada gets around 85% of its electricity from renewable and non-emitting sources. Chile is not too far behind, following heavy investment, at about 65%. To achieve targets in the electric power sector and beyond, both countries have some distance to travel. Along…
Three pillars to help industry advance in building circular economy strategies
March 25, 2025 Pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss form the triple planetary crisis, threatening humanity’s chances of a sustainable future. In this context, manufacturing industries urgently need to transform their production processes, abandoning the linear approach of extracting resources to make products that typically end up as waste. Unfortunately, this ideal is far from reality: according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),…
Energy security: How is Chile preparing for blackouts?
March 24, 2025 Regarding the massive blackout that left 95% of the population without power for several hours on Tuesday, February 25, Rodrigo Barraza, an expert in microgrid systems and energy management, spoke about the causes and possible solutions to a phenomenon of such magnitude. See interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHqX0YyI_hI
The boom in energy storage projects in the area
March 17, 2025 Chile is experiencing remarkable growth in energy storage projects, mainly through BESS (lithium-ion battery) systems, both in operation and at various stages of development. As of the end of January 2025, according to data from the Ministry of Energy, the total net installed capacity reached 886 MW/3,318 MWh, distributed across 21 projects, mainly concentrated in the Antofagasta Region. These projects include…
New Cycle of Transdisciplinary Dialogues on Sustainability – UAI
March 17, 2025 ? Climate change demands a sustainable transformation of energy systems. In this talk, we will discuss the role of green hydrogen, the social acceptance of new infrastructure, and the geopolitical impacts and constraints of the transition, using examples from Canada and around the world. Link to presentation: Ian Rowlands: Enfoque sistémico para las transiciones energéticas
Electrical system reliability: expert analysis of the February 25th blackout was discussed at the UAI 2025 panel discussion.
March 17, 2025 The discussion panel organized by the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences at UAI, in collaboration with the Faculty of Law, focused on a detailed analysis of the reliability and resilience of the national electrical system, using the February 25 blackout as a starting point. During the event, various experts conducted an in-depth examination of the causes of the failure and the challenges…
Are we going fast enough?
March 17, 2025 Chile has made a clear commitment to transport decarbonization: by 2035, 100% of sales of light and medium-duty vehicles, as well as public transportation, must correspond to zero-emission models. However, despite political momentum and a regulatory framework, progress has been uneven, and significant challenges remain. One of Chile’s greatest achievements in electromobility has been the incorporation of electric buses into public transportation….
Claudio Seebach, Dean of the UAI: “What I have seen most is a lack of leadership and communication”
March 3, 2025 For the academic and expert, the shortcomings became evident during “the first moment of the emergency, as well as later in the search for learning and solutions.” The dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences of the UAI, was surprised by the historic blackout that affected a large part of the country this Tuesday when he returned from vacation with his…
A more reliable and resilient electrical system – Opinion column: Claudio Seebach
March 3, 2025 MR. DIRECTOR: The recent blackout that affected almost the entire country reveals the need to recover in Chile the capacity for public-private collaboration for the benefit of the population. This requires leadership clear communication, both in the immediate response and in the search for shared diagnoses, learning and development of proposals to strengthen the resilience of the electrical system. It is not…
Resilience for critical infrastructure
February 27, 2025 We were lucky. If this blackout had occurred on June 25, for example, the already slow commute home we saw last Tuesday would have been compounded by students and many other problems. “We need more resilient networks.” This phrase has been repeatedly heard in the media since yesterday. The February 25 blackout, which affected eight million households for more than six…
ON THE ROAD TO ELECTROMOBILITY: Sales of electric vehicles to break records in 2024
January 30, 2025 LAST YEAR ENDED WITH NEARLY 20,000 NEW REGISTERED UNITS, DOUBLING ALL CATEGORIES COMPARED TO 2023 With historic figures, 2024 closed in terms of sales of new energy vehicles (formerly referred to as zero and low-emission vehicles), totaling 19,101 registered units, representing a 104.6% increase compared to 2023. “2024 was the best year in Chile for each category of zero or low-emission…
New Director Assumes Leadership of the UAI Center for Energy Transition
January 28, 2025 Rodrigo Barraza, Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Appointed Director of the Energy Transition Center (CENTRA) at Adolfo Ibáñez University Rodrigo Barraza, Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, has been appointed as the Director of the Energy Transition Center (CENTRA) at the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences of Adolfo Ibáñez University. CENTRA conducts and transfers interdisciplinary research, enabling society to progress toward an energy transition…
Chile’s steps in its commitment to reducing CO2 emissions
January 28, 2025 Every January 28th, the World Day for the Reduction of CO₂ Emissions is commemorated, an initiative of the United Nations that seeks to raise awareness about the effects and consequences of global warming. “This commemoration invites us to reflect on both the progress made and the challenges that remain in achieving the goals established in each area,” says Pamela Méndez, lead…
UAI Academic Proposes Smart Windows Using Nanotechnology to Combat Climate Change
January 2, 2025 Francisco Ramírez Discusses Smart Windows Technology Using Nanometric Vanadium Dioxide The global climate emergency has scientists worldwide striving to develop sustainable solutions to mitigate rising temperatures and their impact on humanity. Among the most innovative fields in this pursuit is the use of nanotechnology to create smart materials that help combat the effects of global warming. Divergentes recently interviewed Francisco Ramírez, PhD…
Interview with Francisco Ramírez, Researcher and Professor at CENTRA, UAI
January 2, 2025 See interview LitoralPress
Researching Smart Materials for Energy Efficiency – Interview with Francisco Ramírez
January 2, 2025 Column by Leopoldo Soto, Physicist and Researcher at CCHEN Topics: Researching Smart Materials for Energy Efficiency Featuring: Francisco Ramírez Cuevas, PhD in Mechanical Engineering, CENTRA UAI. See the interview on LitoralPress.
“Thermochromic Antennas” Created for Smart Materials to Enhance Energy Efficiency
January 2, 2025 These smart materials enable the regulation of radiative cooling in response to temperature changes between day and night or between winter and summer. The study employs tiny crystals, referred to as “thermochromic antennas,” which can adjust their thermal emissivity based on ambient temperature. These crystals can be incorporated into paints, roofs, clothing, and other materials, offering a flexible and adaptable solution. An…
How is the market for electric buses and trucks progressing in the country
December 10, 2024 Climate Change Highlights the Urgent Task of Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG). In Chile, the transport sector accounts for 23% of the country’s emissions, according to figures from the Energy Sustainability Agency (AgenciaSE). To address this issue, initiatives are already underway to gradually replace fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. Although the electric bus market in the country reached a total…
Elastocaloric Technology Promises to Revolutionize Current Heating and Cooling Systems
December 3, 2024 In its report “The Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2024”, the World Economic Forum (WEF) highlighted that elastocaloric technology is a rapidly advancing field, noting that “heat pumps using elastocaloric materials such as nickel and titanium are proving to be more energy-efficient than traditional heating and cooling systems.” The same report warns that as global temperatures rise, the demand for cooling…
Review of Supreme Decree 13: Thermoelectric Plants on Alert
November 28, 2024. Drawing a parallel with those considered undesirable, coal today is regarded as an “unwelcome” fuel due to the high pollution load generated by its combustion. This is why there is a state policy, with a defined roadmap, to eliminate its participation in the national electricity matrix before 2040. In fact, the decarbonization plan (whose ongoing update includes 45 measures) has already made…
Offshore wind energy: The future of renewable sources comes from the sea
November 21, 2024 “Tripling the annual renewable energy capacity over the next six years would be the biggest step the world could take to achieve our global climate goals,” stated Jennifer Layke, Global Energy Director of the World Resources Institute, at the end of COP28 in the United Arab Emirates in December 2023, highlighting the agreement signed by 117 countries. Although renewable energy (RE) is…
Networks at the limit threaten expansion of data centers and electromobility
November 11, 2024 Modifying the current regulatory model, extending digitalization, investing in infrastructure and technology are some of the actions that should be implemented to meet demand. The sector’s always forgotten players are now protagonists. With a regulatory framework from the 1980s, which many consider obsolete, the electrical distribution networks jumped onto the public agenda following the ravages caused by the August storms that exposed…
Free course – Advances in Accommodation Capacity
November 11th, 2024 CENTRA UAI joins course on advances in hosting capacity of electrical networks The Center for Energy Transition (CENTRA) of Adolfo Ibáñez University collaborates in a training course on “Advances in Hosting Capacity”, organized by the Power and Energy Systems Group and the Melbourne Energy Institute of the University of Melbourne, together with the State University of Campinas (Brazil), Energy Research and…
Smart Transition
November 7, 2024 Artificial intelligence is making a relevant contribution to the energy transition in Chile, especially in the renewable sector. We detail examples that demonstrate this. Artificial intelligence (AI) amazes and astonishes, but it also generates fear and disbelief. In simple terms, Claudio Gutiérrez, an academic at the University of Chile and researcher at the Millennium Institute for Data Fundamentals, defines it as “the…
The role of distributed energy resources in the energy transition – Daniel Olivares
October 30, 2024. The energy transition is a paradigm shift that redefines how we conceive, produce and consume energy. Thomas Kuhn, in his work “The Structure of Scientific Revolutions”, argues that when a system does not solve new problems, ideas that fit the changing reality must be adopted. Although he speaks of scientific paradigms, this can be extrapolated to technological ones. In my opinion, the…
Generating our own energy – Opinion column by Rodrigo Barraza
October 15th, 2024 Generating our own energy is not an illusion. Research is advancing and today we can talk about Peer to Peer (P2P) systems, which operate under a scheme of homes that can act as prosumers, with the capacity to generate their own electricity, either with solar panels or as electricity consumers. To be able to implement this technology, a certain degree of…
Opinion Column – Daniel Olivares, director of the Energy Transition Center (CENTRA)
September 25th, 2024 A GREATER DISTORTION MR. DIRECTOR: In relation to the controversy in the electricity sector regarding the bill that extends the electricity subsidy, I would like to point out the following: In Chile, Small Distributed Generation Companies (PMGD) can benefit from a special remuneration regime that seeks to stabilize their income in the energy market, considering that, due to their size, they…
Enel to pay more than $8 billion for power outages in 2021 | Economic Agenda
September 25th, 2024 The Fourth Civil Court of Santiago ruled that Enel must pay more than $8 billion to customers affected by a series of unjustified power outages that occurred between January 29 and February 2, 2021.
Distributed Generation: Among the pillars of the National Electric System
September 25th, 2024 This segment is becoming more important for the country’s energy matrix every year, as it is approaching 3.3 GW of installed power generation, which corresponds to 10% of the SEN’s capacity, according to the latest figures from the Superintendency of Electricity and Fuels (SEC). When we talk about distributed generation, we must differentiate between the netbilling type, with installations of up…
Study on electromobility in Chile reveals unequal distribution of charging points
September 11th, 2024 Work carried out by Volvo Car Chile, in collaboration with the Center for Energy Transition (CENTRA) of the Adolfo Ibáñez University, provided an x-ray of the infrastructure to receive more electrified cars. A detailed study on the state of electromobility in Chile was presented by Volvo Car Chile, a firm that in collaboration with the Center for Energy Transition (CENTRA) of…
“Risk management system failed and needs to be reformulated”
August 29th, 2024 The UAI academic, Pedro Reszka, addressed the flaws of the current model, which were made evident in the February catastrophe. The academic from the Adolfo Ibáñez University (UAI) and doctor in Fire Safety Engineering, Pedro Reszka, who was one of the speakers at the conference “Great Valparaíso in flames: How will we face the next megafire?”, organized by the CCHC Valparaíso,…
Dynamic Analysis of Power Systems with High Penetration of Renewable Energies
August 29th, 2024 Inaugurating the CENTRA UAI academic seminar series, this talk features Jorge Luis Vega-Herrera, associate professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Antofagasta, associate researcher at the Antofagasta Energy Development Center (CDEA), adjunct researcher in the “Energy Systems” line at the Solar Energy Research Center (SERC-Chile), and member of the Center for Advanced Distributed Energy Solutions (SEDA). Jorge…
Academics and generators investigate long-term storage in Chile
August 29th, 2024 Academics and a power generator are investigating the economics of incorporating long-term energy storage systems into Chile’s grid. The results are expected to be known by the middle of next year, but initial conclusions could be presented by the end of January, according to information obtained by BNamericas. The work is being carried out by the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences…
Seminar on Electric Public Transport: Need for Coordinated Planning
August 23, 2024 The seminar “Electric Public Transport: Need for Coordinated Planning”, organized by CIGRE Chile, CENTRA, and the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences UAI, was held on Wednesday, August 14 at the UAI Vitacura headquarters. This event addressed the challenges and opportunities of the transition to electric public transport in Chile, in the context of the 2023 Red Movilidad road concession tender, which…
Launch of the CENTRA-EDF Chile Research Chair
August 23, 2024 The research project will focus on exploring solutions for a more efficient and sustainable energy system, with an emphasis on energy storage. In a ceremony attended by leading academics, industrial leaders and government representatives, the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences and the Business School of Adolfo Ibáñez University (UAI), in collaboration with EDF Chile, launched a research project that will focus…
Electricity sector specialists discuss the overcosts of the energy system
August 23, 2024 Industry and academic leaders discussed challenges and opportunities in the energy system. “Optimizing systemic costs: Where are the incentives?” is the panel discussion on energy system cost overruns held by the UAI Energy Transition Center (CENTRA) of the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences of Adolfo Ibáñez University, offering a platform to address challenges and opportunities in the electricity sector. Daniel Olivares,…
Academic from CENTRA UAI presents project to facilitate the energy transition
August 23, 2024 A web platform will be created designed to carry out electrical studies and provide information to the industry. Luis Gutiérrez, professor at the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences UAI and director of the Civil Engineering in Energy program, launched the Fondef IdeA I+D 2024 ID24I10476 project entitled “VisiónDERRED: Web platform for distribution network analysis for the efficient integration of distributed energy…
Electric generators: how much they cost and what to look for when buying
August 15, 2024 Due to the prolonged power outages that have affected thousands of Chileans, sales of products such as electric generators have skyrocketed in retail, with people looking for solutions to keep their homes running, especially when it comes to lighting and essential appliances, such as refrigerators, heating/cooling systems and medical equipment, for example. When deciding whether to buy an electric generator, Manuel…
Should competition be introduced into electricity distribution?: Experts address difficulties and aim to modernise regulation
August 12, 2024 Following the massive and persistent power cuts, there are voices that have begun to consider that more actors can enter the distribution industry and stop it from being a natural monopoly. As of Friday, 60 thousand clients nationwide were still without power, according to the Superintendency of Electricity and Fuels (SEC). This is more than a week after the storm that…
The key to critical infrastructure resilience in the face of natural disasters
August 12, 2024 By Javiera Barrera, director of the Doctorate in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research, Faculty of Engineering and Sciences of the Adolfo Ibáñez University. The new frontal system that is affecting the central and southern part of the country, painfully reminds us of the vulnerability of our critical infrastructure to natural disasters. These events prompt us to reflect on how we can…
Daniel Gutiérrez, CENTRA member and lawyer specializing in electricity law: “We are not facing a regulatory vacuum”
August 8, 2024 In an interview with Agenda Económica, the lawyer specializing in electrical law and founding partner of BGS Energy Law, Daniel Gutiérrez, a member of CENTRA, referred to the problem of prolonged power outages after the frontal system. In this regard, he commented that there is no regulatory vacuum in this area. However, he indicated that one cannot “pretend to have intelligent…
An artificial heart that ensures continuity
August 7, 2024 The supply of electricity is essential for daily life, and ensuring a constant, adequate and efficient flow is essential in any strategic planning and management process. For this reason, the use of backup power generation equipment is indispensable in facilities and activities of all kinds, especially in productive sectors and critical services such as health, data monitoring, digital networks and national…
Without renewable energy, we would be in a much more complex situation
August 7, 2024 Is it possible to “escape” the increase in electricity rates planned for this year? First, we have to understand that the increases in electricity bills that we are experiencing are the result of something that we have avoided for the last five years in Chile. Let us remember that, when the social outbreak occurred, rates were frozen in a scenario where…
Is it possible to travel around Chile in an electric car?
July 25, 2024 Although there are more than 900 charging stations across the country, they are concentrated between Coquimbo and La Araucanía, making journeys to remote areas and those far from highways difficult or longer in duration. One of the most common questions when someone considers an electric car is whether long trips can be made in it. Traveling north, south, or across Chile….
The number of people without electricity has increased to 685 million
July 25, 2024 A new report reveals that for the first time in the last decade, the gap in basic energy access has increased, jeopardizing the United Nations’ goal of ensuring that everyone has access to this resource by 2030. Ending poverty, reducing inequality, and building more peaceful and prosperous societies. This is the overarching goal pursued by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),…
The pending challenges in the energy transition
July 23, 2024 The energy transition is due to the re-evaluation of the value of fossil fuels compared to renewable energies. The former have lost value, due to the accumulated evidence about their role in global warming, their negative impact on air quality and the perception of insecurity in their supply chains. In contrast, renewable energies, such as solar and wind, have gained value…
The continent’s sustainable financing opportunity
July 23, 2024 If Latin America prepares correctly, there is a real possibility of creating a market for new financial products or services that aim to sustain a zero-emissions economy, opening a new niche for both local banking and multilateral institutions. But this green portfolio must first be organized around a taxonomy that allows avoiding the feared “greenwashing.” On May 23, Chile entered a…
GENERATOR SET EMISSIONS STANDARD What is its scope?
July 11, 2024 A generator is a system for generating electricity by integrating an internal combustion engine that normally uses Diesel as fuel and that drives an electric generator. Generators are used in industries, commercial buildings and residential buildings to provide a secure power supply to critical equipment in the event of a power outage. In addition, they can be used to reduce costs…
Chile must promote the benefits of heat pumps to encourage their use
July 11, 2024 The transition away from coal and other types of thermoelectric power generation and toward boosting the penetration of renewable sources is a solid first step toward decarbonizing a country. The other important pieces of the puzzle — energy efficiency, electrification, and sustainable transportation — could be more complicated, given that the goal is not a couple of power plants but rather…
With technological help and smart decisions you can save electricity
Switching to a kettle to heat water does not help save money, but it is better to wash in the morning using cold water. Apps and sites are useful for analyzing consumption and understanding where the greatest efficiency can be achieved. The rise in electricity rates can hit Chileans’ economy hard. This could translate into increases in bills ranging from 15% to 50%, depending on…
Hard blow to the pocket: this Monday begins to apply the readjustment and gradual increase in electricity tariffs
This scenario is the result of the unfreezing of tariffs, which were frozen from the Social Outbreak to date. Therefore, they will rise as much as they should have risen during that time. The deadline has arrived. After arduous days of discussion, this Monday the increase in electricity rates begins to take effect, which means that customers’ bills will experience a considerable price increase. This…
CENTRA UAI holds seminar on smart grids with integration of solar roofs
The Energy Transition Center (Centra) of the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences of the Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (UAI) held on Monday, June 3, the seminar “Distribution networks with high integration of solar roofs: lessons from the Australian case”. The activity took place between 9 and 11 am, with free access and in hybrid format at the Vitacura Campus (Room 7, Av. Santa María 5870). The…
Challenges for proper energy management go along the lines of implementing Big Data and AI.
In this interview, Rodrigo Barraza, academic and researcher at the Energy Transition Center (CENTRA) of the UAI School of Engineering and Sciences, and SERC Chile, addresses the crucial relationship between energy efficiency and competitiveness in copper mining, and explores how fluctuations in energy prices impact the sector, the specific challenges faced by mining energy management compared to other sectors, and the growing importance of renewable…
New UAI renewable energy lab course allows students to learn about solar and wind energy in the field and power electronics in the lab
Among its attractions, it includes a “wind tunnel” to measure the impact of various variables on wind turbines and a photovoltaic field to analyze the impact of various operation and maintenance strategies on production and operating costs. The infrastructure also allows new photovoltaic modules to be tested under real conditions and to conduct research and technology transfer. The Civil Engineering in Energy career of the…
The centralized paradigm that resists change
IT IS TIME TO CONTEMPLATE A DECENTRALIZED ARCHITECTURE THAT MAXIMIZES THE CAPABILITIES OF DISTRIBUTED RESOURCES AND MINIMIZES THE EXTERNALITIES OF LARGE-SCALE PROJECTS. In the current energy transformation process, we face a paradigmatic challenge: to adapt our institutional structures and methodologies to a reality where sustainability objectives are a priority. Historically, the energy sector, governed by economic efficiency and security of supply, operated under the assumption…
Center for Energy Transition researcher presents on distributed energy at Proyecta Solar 2024
April 30, 2024 The Chilean Solar Energy Association (ACESOL) held the sixth edition of the Proyecta Solar 2024 seminar and solar fair, an event that was inaugurated by the Undersecretary of Energy, Luis Felipe Ramos. Ramos highlighted the importance of clean energy in Chile and the joint effort to regulate and advance projects that will allow the country to achieve its carbon neutrality goals….
Cross-border energy market: study sees economic and environmental benefits for Chile
April 24, 2024 A study led by economist Claudio Agostini estimated annual benefits of up to US$5.2 million if only 150 MW are imported from Peru, and up to US$8.4 million if the same amount of solar energy is exported to Argentina. The proposal appears to be a solution to energy losses, which reached 18% of renewable generation as of March, and could also reduce…
UAI and WEC Chile organize panel on clean fuels and energy transition
April 3, 2024 As part of Women’s Month, the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences of the Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (UAI) together with the World Energy Council Chile (WEC Chile), organized the panel “Hydrogen and clean fuels”, led by four leading industry experts. In the instance, the current situation of renewable energy in the country was addressed, as well as the articulated collaboration between the…
Engineering and Sciences UAI organizes first seminar on sustainable fuel for aviation in Chile
April 1, 2024 With the aim of delving into the current panorama of sustainable aviation fuels, the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences of the Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (UAI), together with the Center for Energy Transition (CENTRA), organized the seminar “Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF): Taking off towards a greener future”, the first event on this subject in our country, which brought together exponents from the…
Seminar: Energy Storage, the missing key piece of the system
March 8, 2024 The Energy Storage Seminar, organized by CIGRE Chile and Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, was held in person and streaming. This event explored the crucial role of energy storage as an essential piece of the electricity system and reflected on our readiness to replace coal and face the climate emergency. Energy storage represents the systemic attribute of flexibility, allowing compatibility between rigidities in…
World Energy Efficiency Day, a review of our Law
March 7, 2024 By Luis Gutiérrez, academic and researcher at the Energy Transition Center (CENTRA) of the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences UAI, and SERC Chile. Every March 5 we celebrate World Energy Efficiency Day, an instance to reflect on the rational and efficient use of energy, and the necessary transition to energy systems with high participation of renewable energies, with emphasis on those…
Evsy: Find all the charging points for electric cars in one App
January 16, 2024 Among the challenges of living in the city is how quickly we adopt new technologies. Electric cars are a reality, but their implementation is full of challenges for their full massification. In a new chapter of “Energía Infinita”, actress Leonor Varela presented us with Evsy, an application that has a map with all the charging points for electric vehicles in your…
Center for the Energy Transition CENTRA of the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences of the UAI seeks to make the energy transition as collaborative as possible
January 15, 2024 Collaboration between academia and industry is essential for a more promising energy future. Universities are a key pillar by providing advanced human capital and promoting the development of technologies with their research, thus promoting more sustainable and efficient processes. In a new chapter of “Infinite Energy”, actress Leonor Varela showed us how the Energy Transition Center of the Faculty of Energy…
Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (UAI) Participates in the Creation of the National Center for Advanced Decentralized Energy Solutions (SEDA)
January 7, 2024 Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (UAI), through its Energy Transition Center (CENTRA), has played an essential role in the creation and development of the innovative National Center for Advanced Decentralized Energy Solutions (SEDA). This initiative is a key component of the Chilean Ministry of Energy’s Energy Agenda 2022-2026, which aims to transform the energy sector into a catalyst for economic growth and a…
Charging Points: The National Challenge to Boost Electromobility in 2024
January 3, 2024 Although Chile is far from having the infrastructure of some European countries, it is one of the most advanced in Latin America. Technology and appropriate regulations are helping the growth of this trend, which is still highly concentrated in Santiago. According to figures from the National Automotive Association of Chile (Anac), 354 fully electric vehicles were sold between January and November 2023,…
Switch Change: Interview with Daniel Olivares
January 3, 2024 See interview LitoralPress
CENTRA UAI Academic to Teach Course at Stanford University
December 21, 2023 After winning the “Edward Laroque Tinker Visiting Professor” fellowship, Dr. Javiera Barrera, a Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences and professor at the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (FIC), will be a visiting professor at Stanford University for a quarter in 2024. During her visit, she will teach a course based on her research and work. Dr. José Blanchet,…
Reliability in Distribution Networks: Tensions Between the Electric and Forestry Industries
December 20, 2023 Enjoy the Full Recording of the Seminar: “Reliability in Distribution Networks: Tensions Between the Electric and Forestry Industries” A key event organized by CENTRA UAI and FENACOPEL, this seminar was held on December 19, 2023, focusing on the interaction between the electric and forestry industries. The discussions covered topics such as fire prevention, legal responsibilities, and safety management in the operation of…
Price reduction emerges as the main challenge in electromobility
December 18, 2023 One of the most ambitious goals of the National Electromobility Strategy aims for 100% of sales of light and medium vehicles to be zero emissions by 2035 and, although there is already progress, experts warn that massification will depend on the development of the brands. and government incentives. A little more than two years ago, the Government adopted a plan to…
Interview with Shahriyar Nasirov, Academic and Researcher at the UAI Energy Transition Center
December 13, 2023 Listen to the interview on: Litoral Press
The sustained and auspicious growth of solar energy in Chile
December 13, 2023 Cost Reduction and Efficiency Improvements Make Solar Energy a Key Player in Global Energy Sustainability In 2016, American politician and environmentalist Al Gore expressed excitement about Chile’s solar market growth. Felipe Larraín, an academic and researcher at the Energy Transition Center of Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (CENTRA UAI) and a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, recalls…
GPM and Centra UAI held a seminar to address storage challenges
December 5, 2023 Seminar “Deciphering Storage Challenges for the Future of the Energy Matrix” Addresses Key Issues in Energy Transition To tackle the challenges of energy storage and its potential impact on the electrical system, the Association of Small and Medium Generators (GPM-AG) and the Energy Transition Center (CENTRA) at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (UAI) organized the seminar “Deciphering Storage Challenges for the Future of the…
Future of Electricity Distribution
December 5, 2023 The Crucial Role of Electrical Distribution in the Energy Transition Electrical distribution plays a key role in the transition to a more sustainable and renewable-based energy system. Distribution networks are responsible for delivering electricity from generation plants to end users. In this new context, infrastructure must adapt to electrification demands and the increasing share of clean energy production. This shift requires: Efficient…
Challenges and potential solutions with ultra-deep penetration of renewables and distributed energy resources
November 7, 2023 The Center for Energy Transition (CENTRA) at the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, is pleased to invite you to the lecture by Professor Pierluigi Mancarella, titled: “Challenges and Potential Solutions with Ultra-Deep Penetration of Renewables and Distributed Energy Resources: Experiences from the Australian ‘Real-World Lab’” The event will take place at the Alejandro Jadresic Auditorium, Campus Peñalolén, on Thursday,…
Interview with Raúl O’Ryan: COP28
November 6, 2024 See interview: Litoral Press
Electrical distribution and its regulation: keys to electromobility and distributed generation
October 18, 2023 “WE CANNOT ADDRESS DISTRIBUTION REFORM WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING THAT IT IS A MARKET TRANSFORMATION” Recent studies in Chile show that around 6 GW netbilling-type generation projects, without storage, could be integrated into distribution networks, which is equivalent to 50% of the maximum demand of the National Electric System (SEN). On the other hand, 426,000 new cars were sold in the country last…
Free seminar on integrated electrical distribution for electromobility
October 6, 2023 The Center for Energy Transition of the Faculty of Engineering and Science at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (CENTRA UAI) and the Chilean Association of Energy Marketers (ACEN) will hold a free seminar on “The Role of Electrical Distribution and Its Regulation in the Integration of Electromobility, Distributed Generation, and the Electrification of Energy Demand in Chile.” The event will take place in a…
Centra UAI and Cigre develop first seminar focused on the energy user
September 27, 2023 The innovative meeting will include debates on the global energy crisis, security, carbon neutrality and climate change. In an event that seeks to address the challenges related to the energy user, the Chilean Committee of the International Council of Large Electrical Grids (Cigre Chile) and the Energy Transition Center (CENTRA) of the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences of the Adolfo Ibáñez University, will…
Smart City Special
September 11, 2023 Experts agree that 5G has a great impact on Smart cities, revolutionizing their design and management. This trend offers a wide variety of capabilities, such as ultra-high bandwidth, low latency and speed in data transmission that contribute to cities with these types of characteristics. “5G allows data transmission speeds of up to one hundred times more than 4G in mobile phones,…
“It is up to us to take advantage of the opportunities of the energy transition”
August 29, 2023 The reference of the Center for Energy Transition (Chile), Carlos Silva, opened the streaming, “Vaca Muerta, nexus for Energy Integration” organized by Better Energy. He considered that gas and renewable energy are two priority sources of supply that would complement demand and supply on both sides of the Andes Mountains. “We have systems that have developed quite differently. For example, it…
Distributed Generation in Chile for global decarbonization
August 25, 2023 From the point of view of self-consumption, there is also evidence that the development of electricity supply systems with a high integration of generation and distributed storage can facilitate the electrification of transport and heating, which is crucial to achieve global decarbonization goals. It is difficult to conceive of a perspective from which a distributed energy supply system does not exceed…
Electric mobility could contribute 17% of Chile’s decarbonisation goal by 2050
August 25, 2023 Although 100% electric models have increased by 275% in three years, experts agree that it is urgent to advance in greater incentives, benefits and an ecosystem that allows the massification of electromobility throughout the national territory. It is estimated that today transport is responsible for 35% of energy consumption in our country. And of this segment, 86% corresponds to land transport….
Williams’ task 1 with lithium: accelerate the definition of strategic salt flats
August 18, 2023 Defining salt flats, ownership structure and recovering lost time are some of the challenges that the Secretary of State will have. While Liontown Resources identifies Argentina, China and Zimbabwe as the countries with the most lithium projects by 2026, Chile seems to be left out. The The responsibility, then, of the new Mining Minister, Aurora Williams, will be to speed up…
Sales of 100% electric vehicles continue to rise despite barriers still present
August 4, 2024 The segment recorded a 40.5% growth during the first half of the year. Experts analyze the various challenges to overcome for further development of electromobility in Chile. There are many examples of passing trends and fads. Electromobility, however, seeks to establish a solid foundation and expand its presence in Chile, especially considering that by 2035, only zero-emission vehicles will be sold nationwide….
Transforming the energy future
July 25, 2023 The Role of Digitalization in the Evolution of Electrical Substations Today, “smart” energy networks demand higher levels of communication, making digitalization the next step in the evolution of electrical substations. This shift not only changes how we conceive electrical infrastructure, but also opens new possibilities for the energy sector, improving security, reliability, interoperability, and real-time performance. The implementation of digital substations is…
Experts point out the high cost of not having energy available
July 18, 2023 In an effort to clarify key questions regarding electricity supply availability in the context of climate change and growing energy demand, the discussion “Energy Security: What is the Cost?” was held as part of the lecture series organized by Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (UAI) and WEC Chile. Panelists: María Helena Lee, Head of the International Relations Office, Ministry of Energy Ernesto Huber, Executive…
Energy Transition
July 18, 2023 Column by Daniel Olivares, La Tercera The energy transition is above all a moral transition that is believed to take another 27 years worldwide. In Chile, the path will be full of adjustments in our regulation, which will gradually reflect a new balance between the principles of sustainability and resilience, and the principle of economic efficiency. Along these lines, the current energy…
Chasing efficiency
June 5, 2023 In Chile, the phrase “being where the sun shines brightest” is commonly used to describe a person who seeks opportunities in the most beneficial or comfortable situations, particularly in economic or social contexts. This saying also provides insight into the function of solar trackers, which optimize energy production in photovoltaic systems by maximizing solar exposure through mobility. Solar trackers enhance solar radiation…
Madero Mining, interview with Felipe Larraín
June 1, 2023 Interview with Felipe Larraín. See interview at: Madero Minería
The role of energy efficiency in the transition
June 1, 2023 “The energy transition involves a profound change not only in the way energy is produced but also in how it is transported and distributed.” On Energy Efficiency Day, it is important to highlight that the energy transition is not only about changing the way we generate energy but also about how it is transported, distributed, and consumed. By ensuring efficient energy consumption,…
Charging points: the unresolved debt in electromobility for private cars
May 29, 2024 Electric car sales have increased. According to figures from the National Automotive Association of Chile (Anac), 6,904 units were registered in 2022, an increase of more than 100% compared to 2021, but they still represent a lower percentage of the entire automotive market in the country. According to the National Electromobility Strategy, from 2035 they will only sell electric vehicles. However,…
Chile is two years away from becoming a potential leader in H2 production for the world
May 23, 2023 A sustainable energy future is emerging in Antofagasta, Coquimbo, Valparaíso, Metropolitana, Biobío, and Magallanes. These regions host a portfolio of 50 publicly announced Green Hydrogen (H₂) projects at various stages of development, according to H₂ Chile, as reported by MINERÍA CHILENA. Ricardo Rodríguez, Head of Studies at H₂ Chile, explains that “most of these projects are still in the feasibility and pre-feasibility…
Snapshot: Chile’s EV charging point rules
May 22, 2023 Chile’s energy ministry has introduced secondary legislation on electric vehicle charging point interoperability and standards. The concept of interoperability is outlined in energy efficiency law No. 21,305, which entered the statute books in 2021 and, chiefly, mandates the creation of a national energy efficiency plan. The rules fall under a wider push to help ensure owners can charge their vehicles at…
Daniel Olivares, director of Centra UAI: «Mining is a necessary activity for the energy transition»
May 16, 2023 The academic and director of the Energy Transition Center (CENTRA) at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (UAI) emphasizes that fighting climate change requires solutions that will increase the demand for minerals, particularly copper, nickel, cobalt, and lithium. “When we talk about the energy transition, we are referring to the process of gradually replacing primary energy sources, which today are mainly fossil fuels,” explains Daniel…
It costs between $45,000 and $160,000 per month to heat an average home in the central zone
May 7, 2023 Comparing Heating Systems: Costs, Efficiency, and Environmental Impact With the arrival of May, cold temperatures are becoming a constant across most of Chile, prompting many to begin their annual heating routine. As homeowners evaluate their options, costs, efficiency, and environmental impact are key considerations. To aid in decision-making, the Ministry of Energy has launched an online platform allowing users to compare different…
Discussion: Geothermal energy in Chile: What are we up to?
April 26, 2023 The Faculty of Engineering and Sciences at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (UAI), through its Energy Transition Center (CENTRA), in collaboration with the International Council on Large Electric Systems (CIGRE) of Chile and Mexico, organized a discussion on geothermal energy in Chile. The event focused on the current state of geothermal energy, covering recent advancements, challenges, and future opportunities. The discussion emphasized the potential…
Potential of microgrids and distributed resources to support the energy transition in Chile
April 26, 2023 The Faculty of Engineering and Sciences of the UAI, through its Energy Transition Center (CENTRA) and in conjunction with the Energy Center of the University of Chile, organized this discussion on the potential of electrical microgrids and distributed energy resources to support the energy transition in Chile. The experts discussed the benefits and challenges of these technologies in the creation of…
Territorial energy planning: in search of certainty
April 13, 2023 Cristián Araya, lawyer at the Center for Energy Transition (CENTRA) of the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences, UAI. Recently, voices have been raised in various fields advocating the importance of proper territorial planning, with an emphasis on the energy and infrastructure industries. For some, the mere mention of the term brings back harsh memories of inefficient centralized planning, often conducted from an…
ESCO model for distributed generation: increasing contribution to energy efficiency, but…
April 12, 2023 Although energy service companies have carried out a wide range of energy efficiency and renewable energy (ERNC) projects, more bank financing and other conditions are still needed for greater penetration of this business model. Their name consists of just four letters, but over the past decade, they have left a mark that could be even deeper. The reference is to the so-called…
Increase in the specific tax on fuel: what would be its impact on car use and on the reduction of emissions?
April 6, 2023 The possible increase in the specific tax on fuels has returned to public discussion after the Minister of the Environment mentioned that progress is being made on the green tax project included in the government’s program. The reactions to her statements highlight that this is a complex and controversial measure. To contribute to the debate, we present various perspectives on the issue…
Let there be light, Program April 4, 2023
April 4, 2024
The electric mobility race after its best year of performance
March 10, 2023 “Moving steadily,” defines Rodrigo Cabrera, senior manager of Sustainability Services at EY, describing Chile’s progress in electromobility. In 2022, the sale of electric and low-emission vehicles doubled, reaching a growth of 106.2%, according to figures from the National Automotive Association of Chile (ANAC). In fact, according to Diego Mendoza, ANAC’s Secretary General, electromobility achieved its best performance across all categories in 2022….
The benefits of solar roofs
March 5, 2023 Solar rooftops can be installed on commercial premises, public buildings, and homes, among other options. The installation of these systems reduces electricity use as they can be designed for self-consumption or to inject surplus energy into the grid. Additionally, they displace the use of fossil fuels in energy generation. IMPRESSIVE ARE the aerial views of the solar parks built in the Atacama…
Innovating by reducing CO2 emissions in Chile
January 27, 2023 What is humanity’s CO2 budget? What will be the consequences of climate change in Chile in the coming decades? Or, what has our country done to combat the climate crisis? Before addressing these questions, we must recognize our reality: we will not stop emitting CO2 in the short or medium term. Therefore, reducing our emissions requires implementing measures to compensate for them….
This is how the films that adhere to windows work to reduce heat
January 25, 2023 After seeing the temperature change in her office following the installation of solar control films, administrative assistant Soledad Pizarro decided to install them on two large windows in her living room. “From 12:30 to 5 p.m., the sun was relentless. We had to retreat to the kitchen,” she recalls. She spent $200,000. Now, she rarely uses the air conditioner and can spend…
The points that renewable energy, the other key player, must work on
January 25, 2025 Even though Chile is privileged in terms of renewable energy generation, achieving a 100% green energy matrix requires progress in flexibility, storage, and other areas. The solar radiation in the Atacama Desert and strong winds across the country make Chile uniquely positioned to generate solar and wind energy, complemented by hydropower. Together, these sources give Chile a substantial renewable energy generation capacity….
Project studies uncertainty over the use of renewable energy in the Chilean energy transition
January 11, 2023 Initiative Led by UAI Researchers Spanned Three Years and Involved $450 Million in Funding In December 2020, a group of academics and researchers from the Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (UAI), Faculty of Engineering and Sciences, and the Business School won the Anillo Project ACT-192094. This initiative aimed to study the adaptation of Chilean energy systems to climate change by analyzing the use of…
Researchers conclude that clean generation technologies provide flexibility to the SEN
January 10, 2023 Using mathematical tools, Francisca Jalil and Eduardo Álvarez from ISCI studied how the joint action of CSP-TES and BESS systems, among other options, contributes to the energy system. The reliance on fossil fuels for energy production has created an urgent need to transition to a decarbonized energy matrix. But is this possible, and are the necessary measures being taken in this process?…
White roofs, the strategy to lower the temperature of houses
December 28, 2022 “Reducing indoor temperatures by 5°C to 10°C can significantly enhance living comfort,” highlights a specialist. Could this work in Chile? In the Indian city of Ahmedabad, a family spent about $135 (roughly $120,000 CLP) to paint the 7.5 square meters of their home’s concrete roof white. With no windows, the house reached nearly 46°C during the hottest periods, making it nearly uninhabitable….
CENTRA UAI and OECD hold seminar to assess the transition to the circular economy
December 28, 2022 “The Economic Aspects of Transitioning to a Circular Economy” was the focus of a seminar held by the UAI Energy Transition Center (CENTRA) in collaboration with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The event aimed to evaluate and propose efforts by various countries, including Chile, to transition toward a production model emphasizing reuse, repair, renewal, and recycling of existing materials…
Column by Cristián Araya M.: Framework Law on Climate Change: A matter of principles
December 12, 2022 “…Represents a transformation that will bring significant opportunities for the country…” This is how the current Minister of the Environment, Maisa Rojas, described the Framework Law on Climate Change (LCC) during a Senate Environment Committee session when she served as an advisor to the committee. This transformation could soon become a reality once the LCC is fully implemented. With its ambitious and…
Carlos Silva, Centra UAI: «The energy transition must involve all sectors»
December 12, 2022 Energy transition is a key focus for CENTRA at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, which is dedicated to interdisciplinary research and knowledge transfer to drive a profound transformation toward a low-carbon economy. To learn more, Club de Innovación interviewed Carlos Silva, Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and a researcher at CENTRA, who shared his insights on the topic. A Broader Scope for Energy Transition Silva…
Researchers review the challenges to advance clean energy
November 25, 2022 Chile’s goals are clear: the country aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. To reach this milestone, a comprehensive energy transition is essential to replace non-renewable sources with clean energy. Are we on the right track? Here, three experts analyze the key issues to address in this effort. The Challenge of a Just Transition in Energy Decarbonization By Cecilia Ibarra, researcher at…
UAI Engineering and WEC-Chile begin a series of talks on technologies, business models and sustainable forms of energy
November 19, 2022 The lecture series “Energy Challenges – Chile 2023” is organized by the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (UAI) and the World Energy Council – WEC Chile. The series kicked off with the lecture “Opportunities to Integrate Demand-Side Energy Policies,” addressing topics such as sustainable energy demand, new technologies, business models, and sustainable energy solutions. “We aim for…
Why regional leader Chile’s electric bus embrace will likely tighten
November 14, 2022 Luis Gutiérrez is director of the Civil Engineering in Energy career and academic of the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences of the Adolfo Ibáñez University, associate researcher for the Center for Energy Transition (CEnTra-UAI) and for the Solar Energy Research Center (SERC-Chile). Luis holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, from the University of Manchester, United Kingdom. In 2023…
UAI Energy Transition Center signs agreement with the International Council of Large Electric Grids (CIGRE Chile)
November 10, 2022 The International Council of Large Electric Grids (CIGRE) signed an agreement with the UAI Energy Transition Center (CENTRA), which will allow for a closer link between both entities and meet different objectives, such as holding a series of discussions on energy, publishing open-access discussion documents, and executing a fellowship program for professionals to explore relevant research questions. The director of CENTRA,…
Power quality analysis: Detecting phenomena that run through electrical networks
November 7, 2022 In electrical installations, various disturbances can affect the operation and lifespan of critical equipment. For this reason, an increasing number of companies are incorporating power quality studies into their electrical maintenance programs. In this article, academics and specialists share their perspectives on the matter. As industries adopt more digital technologies in their processes, their equipment becomes increasingly vulnerable to electrical network…
Column by Danilo Jara. Green Hydrogen: Beyond decarbonisation.
October 20, 2022 The concept of “green hydrogen” seems to have become a mainstay in media, social networks, and discussions across Chile. And why not? Chile could play a crucial role in producing this simple yet challenging molecule at scale. It is essential, however, that the implementation process is approached prudently and with certainty, avoiding abrupt or uninformed changes. Major transitions always generate uncertainty,…
CENTRA UAI holds discussion on global energy crisis from academic, economic and regulatory perspectives
October 19, 2022 With the aim of bringing together representatives from academia, the government, and industry to discuss the challenges of energy transition and the energy crisis in Chile, the Energy Transition Center (CENTRA UAI) of the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez organized the panel discussion “Energy Transition and Crisis: An Academic, Economic, and Regulatory Perspective.” The event took place on…
Trends that are marking the path of clean energy
October 12, 2022 According to Deloitte’s The Future of Energy report, the relationship between consumers and energy sector services has evolved, driven by three key factors: digitalization of operations, decentralization, and decarbonization. These trends have sparked a paradigm shift in how energy is generated and consumed. This shift, as explained by Daniel Ortega, Energy and Utilities Industry Leader at Deloitte, will continue to gain momentum,…
Residential sector produces 66% of pollution in the Coquimbo region
October 4, 2022 One of the reasons behind this phenomenon is that many constructions, particularly in urban areas, are built with insulation suited for warmer climates like Arica, Iquique, or Antofagasta, which leads to increased heating use. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, particulate matter consists of various solid or liquid particles in the air that, when inhaled, can cause severe health problems and…
Circular economy in generation projects
October 3, 2022 In Chile, initiatives are being developed to recycle and repurpose out-of-use components from renewable energy plants and other energy sector facilities. The goal is to achieve “zero waste.” In 2021, Chile set an ambitious goal of generating 70% of its energy from renewable sources by 2050. Over the past decade, the country has experienced steady growth in clean energy projects, mainly solar…
Princeton researcher works with CENTRA UAI to encourage green hydrogen production in Chile
September 30, 2022 Public Policy Student from Princeton Analyzes Chile’s National Green Hydrogen Strategy Alex Giannattasio, a public policy student and researcher at Princeton’s Andlinger Center for Energy & the Environment, along with academics from the Centro de Transición Energética (CENTRA) at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (UAI), analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of Chile’s “National Green Hydrogen Strategy”, published by the Ministry of Energy. The objective…
Scientists detect that firewood is the main pollutant in Santiago
September 26, 2022 Firewood: The Leading Cause of Air Pollution in Santiago Despite Its Prohibition Although firewood is prohibited in the Metropolitan Region, it remains the main source of residential air pollution in Santiago, according to the first National Air Quality Inventory, developed by researchers from Universidad de Chile, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Universidad Austral, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, and research centers such as the…
Informative talk Diploma in Regulation
September 9, 2022
Forum Accelerating decarbonisation, a joint challenge.
September 9, 2022
Felipe Larraín and nanotechnology: “When you make everything very small, you can explore new possibilities”
August 20, 2022 In conversation with Divergentes, the academic from Adolfo Ibáñez University showed his optimism regarding the future of this discipline. “Everything I can say falls short of imagination and certainly imagination is the limit,” he said. Beyond what our eyes can see, there is a world full of possibilities. Various specialists from around the world saw this potential and began to work. “People…
Eduardo Bitran’s column: “Accelerating the development of green and virtuous medium-sized mining”
August 17, 2022 Green Mining: The Key to Chile’s Leadership in Global Decarbonization A well-established concept in Chile is that strengthening global climate action creates an opportunity to position the mining sector as a leader in supplying minerals for the world’s decarbonization. However, this must be green mining, as global green industries will significantly increase their share of mineral demand in the coming decades. For…
Power lines: The main challenges in terms of monitoring and inspection in Chile
July 29, 2022 Although they have different specific objectives, power line monitoring and inspection aim to improve the availability of these vital elements of our electrical infrastructure. In general, monitoring is related to the real-time operation of the system while line inspection is a maintenance task (preventive or corrective). Power lines are a fundamental part of transporting energy to points of consumption. For…
The energy transition in Chile has experienced very significant progress
July 26, 2022 Chile’s Energy Transition: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Role of Green Hydrogen The global energy transition is driving industries worldwide, including Chile, toward cleaner combustion processes, with an increasing focus on natural gas and green hydrogen. However, this transformation raises technological, modeling, and regulatory challenges in public policy, energy markets, and sector regulations. “The war between Russia and Ukraine has disrupted energy markets,…
Chile leads the way in green bond issuance, with lessons for its peers in the region
July 13, 2022 Chile Leads Green and Sustainable Bond Issuance in Latin America Chile has emerged as the leader in green and sustainable bond issuance in Latin America and the Caribbean, setting an example for the region in sustainable finance. This is one of the key conclusions from the Emerging Market Green Bonds Report, published by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a World Bank entity….
CENTRA UAI researchers develop techniques for the intelligent management of solar energy
July 5, 2022 The project is funded by the National Research and Development Agency (ANID) and also had the participation of the companies Metric Arts EY and MiroSolar. A study led by a research team from the UAI Center for Energy Transition, within the framework of the Fondef IDeA project “GEMA (Energy Management in Microgrids with Storage) managed to develop techniques to intelligently…
Director of CENTRA exposes research results in Canadian universities
June 30, 2022 Daniel Olivares, director of CENTRA, presented at the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES) at The University of British Columbia (UBC) the results of a study commissioned by the Chilean Ministry of Energy to analyze the role of distributed energy resources in long-term energy planning in Chile. See the video and presentation of the Seminar in the following link In…
Wind farms: 85% of the mass of a wind turbine can be recycled
June 10, 2022 Recycling Wind Turbine Blades: Challenges and Solutions Felipe Larraín, a researcher at the Center for Energy Transition (CENTRA) at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (UAI), explains how wind turbine blades can be recycled or repurposed instead of being disposed of in landfills. This initiative is being monitored by CENTRA UAI, which aims to find sustainable solutions for managing decommissioned wind turbine blades, turning them…
Researcher CENTRA UAI will participate in an interuniversity project that will use hardware for real-time simulations of the electrical system
June 10, 2022 Chile Develops Real-Time Power Grid Simulation Laboratory for Renewable Energy Integration Through a Fondequip-funded project, an inter-university research team will implement a configurable testbed using real-time simulators to model the operation of power grids with high penetration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. This initiative aims to optimize the active and efficient operation of distribution networks and the…
Director of CENTRA speaks before the Finance Committee of the Chamber of Deputies
June 6, 2022 Professor Daniel Olivares, Director of CENTRA, was invited to the June 6 session of the Finance Committee of the Chamber of Deputies to present his views on the Bill that creates a stabilization and emergency energy fund and establishes a new temporary price stabilization mechanism for electricity customers subject to price regulation. Watch the recording of the session and Professor Olivares’ intervention…
Chile takes the first firm steps on the path towards a green taxonomy
June 1, 2022 Published by Diario Financiero. Requiring companies to incorporate information on sustainability and corporate governance issues in their annual reports by regulation can help investors better choose where to invest, considering new global challenges. A similar approach is taken by the classification systems for sustainable economic activities that already exist in Europe, from which Chile can learn, according to experts. In November of…
Energy efficiency in low voltage electric motors
May 17, 2022 Posted by Revista ElectroIndustria. A few years ago, electric motors represented over 60% of the country’s energy consumption in Chile, a fact that explains the industry’s interest in having more efficient equipment. To understand more about energy efficiency in low-voltage electric motors, we spoke with Luis Gutiérrez, Doctor of Electrical Engineering, Power Systems (University of Manchester, United Kingdom), Director of the…
Interview with Shahriyar Nasirov in Mejor Energía TV
May 12, 2022 CENTRA researcher Shahriyar Nasirov speaks on Mejor Energía TV about the global context, the impact on the energy supply chain in the midst of the Ukraine-Russia war, and the rise of renewables in Chile and the opportunities for integration with Argentina.
Electricity transmission and distribution: two focuses in the sights of the energy transition
May 6, 2022 Published by Revista Nueva Minería y Energía. The lack of capacity in power transmission, combined with slow progress on the reform contained in the long-term distribution law, are two factors keeping the industry on high alert. The local transmission system faces a major challenge: accelerating investments to accommodate the increasing number of renewable generation projects. Strengthening this sector is key to preventing…
UAI Center for Energy Transition will evaluate the use of green hydrogen to decarbonize and decontaminate Araucanía
April 20, 2022 The study aims to identify technological alternatives compatible with the socio-cultural identity of some communities, in addition to the costs of an eventual change and the application of appropriate policies, it will last 3 years and will use mathematical optimization models applied to the national territory and to the cities of Temuco and Padre Las Casas, in the Araucanía Region. A…
The challenges for the electrical system in the face of the water crisis
April 19, 2022 Although for now there is no risk of rationing, if necessary, a decree would allow the application of a series of exceptional measures to reduce electricity consumption. Although the electricity supply is still guaranteed, the drought is a reality that must be overcome. For this reason, there is a preventive rationing decree that establishes measures against energy shortages, considering that the…
“The ‘ideal’ energy matrix is a mirage that not only moves away, but also changes shape as we move forward”
April 17, 2022 Recently established, the Center for Energy Transition (CENTRA) at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and the development of innovative solutions for the global energy transition. The center focuses heavily on Chile’s unique energy sector challenges and works closely with local industry and the public sector. To learn more about the need for an energy transition and…
Daniel Olivares “Generation of new energies”
April 14, 2022 Interview with the director of CENTRA UAI, Daniel Olivares, on DBOX Radio.
CENTRA debuts with an Industrial Research Chair through a project with the Chilean Solar Energy Association (ACESOL)
April 7, 2022 The Center for Energy Transition (CENTRA) of the Adolfo Ibáñez University (UAI) has just created the Industrial Research Chairs, which debuts with an applied research project with the Chilean Solar Energy Association (ACESOL). The initiative aims to generate new knowledge and tools for the efficient integration of energy resources (sources, storage systems and charging stations, for example) distributed in Chile, to…
UC Berkeley expert speaks at the launch of the UAI Center for Energy Transition
April 6, 2022 On Wednesday, April 6, the launching ceremony of the UAI Center for Energy Transition (CENTRA) was held, an interdisciplinary body – born from the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences UAI (FIC) – whose purpose is to allow society to advance in the transition towards economical, environmentally friendly, socially acceptable and secure energy supply and use systems. At the event, Daniel Kammen,…
The energy portfolio in Chile has been forging a seal of sustainability
April 2, 2022 One of the government’s primary responsibilities is to create favorable conditions in terms of economic signals and legal certainty for the efficient development of energy transition technologies, according to Daniel Olivares, Director of the Center for Energy Transition (CENTRA) at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, in an exclusive interview with Revista Energía. What are the major challenges in Chile’s energy transition? In general, the…
Interview with Daniel Olivares at TXS Plus
March 25, 2022 Interview with our Director Daniel Olivares, in the TXS Plus Rockstars program
Technology is at the service of energy efficiency
March 19, 2022 Published in La Tercera. Saving electricity and energy is not only necessary for our wallets but also crucial for reducing environmental impacts. In recent years, various technologies have been developed to manage energy resources sustainably. By Jessica Vera Uribe Sustainable energy resource management helps protect natural resources, making it essential to take action to reduce human impact and promote energy-efficient use across…
Electrical microgrids: from the citizen generation to the community generation
March 18, 2022 Microgrids are groupings of distributed energy generation and storage equipment, such as photovoltaic solar roofs, small solar and wind producers, and batteries, which supply locally and in a coordinated manner to a set of electricity users. They exist in various sizes and configurations, but in all cases they respond to the need to efficiently and safely operate local energy resources, either…
Energy transition: experts address global and public policy challenges
February 2, 2022 The mass integration of renewable energy and decarbonization were key topics discussed during a seminar at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (UAI) to introduce the newly established Center for Energy Transition (CENTRA). As part of the launch of CENTRA UAI, academics from the university participated in an online seminar, addressing global energy challenges and public policy issues from the perspective of various research initiatives….
The opportunities raised by BESS batteries for the operation of the electrical system
January 5, 2022 “The latest IPCC report indicates an increase in the average temperature of the planet that can vary between 1.5°C and 4°C by the year 2100, compared to 2015. In the national territory, this will translate into a sustained contraction of annual rainfall and a increase in consecutive dry days, with an intensity higher than the average for the American continent. In…
Interview with Eduardo Bitran about the lithium tender in Chile
January 5, 2022 In the second block of Ultima Mirada of CNN Chile, Fernando Paulsen spoke with Eduardo Bitran, a researcher at CENTRA UAI, former minister and former executive vice president of Corfo, about the discussion regarding the lithium tender in Chile.
Researcher of CENTRA UAI develops stretchable light detector with applications in biomedicine, robotics and agriculture
December 30, 2021 The CENTRA UAI academic, Felipe Larraín, participated in a revolutionary research, who, together with North American researchers, created the first stretchable photodetector, with mechanical properties similar to those of human skin, capable of capturing light and being applied in biomedicine, robotics, security and agriculture, among other areas. The study – highlighted by the prestigious North American journal Science Advances – was…
Interview with our Director Daniel Olivares, on the radio program Hágase la Luz
December 13, 2021 In this episode of Hágase la Luz by TXS Plus, Danilo Zurita and José Carrasco Benavides were talking with Daniel Olivares, Director of our Center. How do we advance in this process of transition of our energy? What is the role of the academy in this mission?
Opportunities and Challenges: In the Operation of Distribution Networks with High Penetration of Distributed Energy Resources
December 2, 2021 Distributed energy resources (DER), such as photovoltaic systems, electric vehicles and small-scale storage are becoming more affordable each year for the final consumer and, in particular, for the residential market. This democratization of electricity generation brings with it a disruptive change in demand, where the customer goes from being a consumer to a prosumer, that is, that consumes but also produces…
Storage, current analysis of an upward trend
November 15, 2021 “In the November edition of the Magazine Nueva Minería y Energía, our researcher Luis Gutierrez-Lagos refers to the feasibility of incorporating energy storage into the National Electric System (SEN). “The incorporation of energy storage in the National Electric System (SEN) is not only feasible, but it also becomes technically necessary to sustain the growth of solar and wind generation at the…
Smart grids to reach a renewable electricity matrix
November 3, 2021 Our Director, Daniel Olivares, speaks in the show Exploradores of TVN about how smart grids can facilitate the integration of renewable energies, distributed generation and energy efficiency.
Decentralization: People at the center of the production chain
October 26, 2021 Daniel Olivares addresses the role of distributed generation and storage as part of the efficient technological mix of electricity supply for Chile. He also discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with the greater resilience that these resources could provide to the electricity supply of end customers.
Chile has enormous space to continue innovating in the energy matrix
August 31, 2021 In this article, published in El Mercurio, the CENTRA UAI researcher, Felipe Larraín, highlights that Chile has been increasing variable renewable generation capacity for several years with solar photovoltaic and wind power plants. However, he assures that the intrinsic variability of resources poses difficulties that encourage innovation. In the short term, battery-based energy storage systems offer an alternative to alleviate transmission…
Eduardo Bitran: Global action is an opportunity for Chile
August 19, 2021 The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change delivered its sixth report in which it projects that the global warming limit of 2°C will be exceeded during the 21st century unless there are profound reductions in Greenhouse Gas emissions in the coming decades ( GHG). In this context, the package of binding measures recently approved by the European Commission generates an expectation of…
Renewable energy certification seeks to accelerate the transition to carbon-free energy
August 12, 2021 Our researcher and director of the Master and Diploma in Technologies and Management of Non-Conventional Renewable Energies UAI, Shahriyar Nasirov spoke in El Mercurio about the certification of renewable energies and how this system puts the consumer at the center of the energy transition. Nasirov says that although the renewable energy certification markets have grown rapidly in recent years, there are…
Friendly urbanism, smart cities
August 11, 2021 More than 30 countries celebrated the World Urban Planning Day on November 8, convening a set of disciplines that seek to improve the design and management of cities, incorporating the advantages of AI and the sustainable perspective of development, in an overpopulated planet that subsists in critical climatic conditions. Beyond public housing policies, the development of public works and equitable access…