In Depth: Renewables await change of political wind in Chile

Although Sebastián Piñera, above, centre, attended the inauguration of Chile's Punta Colorado wind farm, he has been no friend of renewables

President Sebastián Piñera’s administration has not ­inspired confidence in the Chilean ­energy sector, and few ­observers believe the wind ­industry will make much pro­gress ­before he leaves office.

Five times — not including an interim appointment — Piñera has switched energy ministers. Rodrigo Álvarez, the most recent minister to depart, had inspired hope in the renewables industry, only to quit after being left out of important negotiations.

Given the high turnover, ministers have not had enough time to get to know the sector, never mind design or implement policies, according to Marcelo Tokman, a former energy minister in the previous administration who is now Vestas vice-president for South America.

“Unfortunately, I don’t see leadership,” adds Hugh Rudnick, a professor at…

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