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.

During the event, Daniel Olivares, Director of CENTRA UAI and professor at the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences (FIC) UAI, presented the objectives and mission of the new center. He explained that CENTRA aims to conduct and transfer interdisciplinary research to help society advance in the energy transition towards economically viable, environmentally friendly, socially acceptable, and secure energy systems.

The center focuses on integrated challenges related to:

  • Developing the value chain for clean fuels
  • The role of energy in the evolution of Industry 4.0
  • Developing energy-sustainable and smart cities and communities
  • Mass integration of low-emission renewable energy into electric grids

“Energy transition challenges are global in nature. We have several programs that will enable collaborations with the private and public sectors,” Olivares emphasized.

He explained that CENTRA operates in three key areas:

  1. Regulation and market design – Focused on the design and modeling of energy markets
  2. Multi-energy systems – Mathematical modeling to optimize energy system operations
  3. Technological prototypes – Innovations aimed at reducing risks and mitigating CO₂ emissions

Olivares also highlighted the multidisciplinary challenges that CENTRA will face. To address them, the center has assembled a team of experts from UAI’s Faculty of Engineering and Sciences and the Business School. Together, they aim to position CENTRA as a national and international reference in applied research, generating and transferring solutions to global energy and public policy challenges, fostering the development of a sustainable energy sector.

Key Presentations at the Seminar

The online seminar also featured presentations by UAI faculty members:

  • Tito Homem-de-Mello (Business School) – “Adapting Electrical Market Models to Climate Change Uncertainty.”
  • Raúl O’Ryan (FIC) – “Firewood and Energy Poverty.”
  • Claudio Agostini (FIC) – “Benefits of Exporting Solar Energy to Argentina.”
  • Eduardo Bitran (FIC) – “Foundations for a National Lithium Strategy.”
  • Luis Gutiérrez (FIC) – “Configurable Test Bank for Dynamic Modeling of Low-Carbon Power Systems with High Power Electronics Penetration.”
  • Francisca Jalil (FIC) – “Energy Planning for Reducing Particulate Matter and CO₂ Emissions in Chile’s Commercial and Residential Sectors.”
  • Eduardo Moreno (FIC) – “Impact of Wind and Solar Variability on Economic Dispatch for Chile’s Electric Grid.”
  • Shahriyar Nasirov (FIC) – “Master’s Program in Renewable Energy Technologies and Project Management.”

The launch of CENTRA marks an important step in advancing Chile’s energy transition, strengthening collaborations between academia, industry, and policymakers to drive sustainable energy solutions.