Chile Hits 77% Renewable Energy in Historic Milestone

Chile just proved that the clean energy future isn't coming someday. It's already here.

In December 2024, renewable energy sources powered 77% of Chile's electricity grid, marking one of the highest percentages any major economy has achieved. For the entire year, renewables accounted for 68% of the country's electricity generation, combining both conventional sources like hydropower and newer technologies like solar and wind.

The milestone reflects years of investment paying off. Chile's National Electric Coordinator confirmed the system is safely and efficiently integrating diverse renewable sources at scales once thought impossible.

Chile isn't alone in this transformation. During the first half of 2025, renewable energy generated more electricity worldwide than coal for the first time in history, according to analysis by Ember Energy. Renewables reached 34.3% of global electricity generation compared to 33.1% for coal.

Solar power drove much of that growth, surging 31% compared to the previous year. Wind energy also climbed steadily, adding another 7.7% to global capacity.

Gabriel Estay, National Sales Director for Chile at Schneider Electric, says the focus is shifting from just building renewable capacity to managing it intelligently. Countries must now optimize how energy moves through their systems to avoid bottlenecks and maximize efficiency.

The Ripple Effect

Chile's success is inspiring neighboring countries to accelerate their own transitions. When one nation demonstrates that high renewable percentages work reliably, it removes doubt from policy debates elsewhere.

The environmental impact extends far beyond Chile's borders. Every percentage point away from coal represents millions of tons of carbon dioxide kept out of the atmosphere. At current growth rates, renewables could become the dominant global electricity source within the next decade.

Chile's grid operators are also learning valuable lessons about managing variable energy sources that other countries can apply. Their experience integrating solar and wind at such high levels provides a roadmap for regions just beginning their transitions.

Estay emphasizes that collaboration makes the difference. Public agencies, private companies, universities, and consumers must work together toward shared sustainability goals rather than pursuing isolated initiatives.

Chile's achievement shows that ambitious climate targets aren't just aspirational—they're achievable with existing technology and political will.