(Opinion) The growth of renewable energy in Latin America is often attributed to Chinese influence, which is indeed significant.
Chinese companies produce about 90% of the wind and solar technologies installed in the region.
China’s State Grid controls over half of Chile’s regulated energy distribution.
Additionally, China has made substantial investments in Latin America’s critical minerals sector, which includes lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements essential for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defense technologies.
China’s involvement in clean energy supply chains and its influence over countries’ energy systems have raised concerns globally.
However, the relationship between China and Latin America is complex, as Latin American countries strive to secure their resources and develop their own clean energy futures.
While international investments play a role, Latin American countries also foster homegrown innovation cultures that often go unnoticed.
These include both sophisticated innovations using advanced materials and what is known as “frugal innovation.”
Chile serves as an example of Latin America’s commitment to renewable energy and self-reliance.
The country has surpassed its 2025 renewable energy goal with the help of geothermal, solar, and wind power projects, some of which have Chinese backing.
Around one-third of Chile’s energy now comes from clean sources.
However, the country’s most valuable resource lies in its Atacama Desert, home to the world’s largest lithium reserves.
Chile aims to retain control over its lithium reserves while increasing profits, strengthening environmental safeguards, and sharing the benefits with local communities impacted by lithium projects.
Chile has prioritized the development of its own renewable energy industry for over a decade.
It has established research centers in strategic fields such as solar and geothermal energy, often collaborating with foreign institutions.
However, challenges remain, including limited financing and the need to transfer knowledge to the local innovation ecosystem.
Amidst the large-scale projects, smaller initiatives are making strides.
Chile is home to StartUp Chile, one of Latin America’s largest public incubators and seed accelerators, supporting startups in various sectors.
These startups often embrace frugal innovation, focusing on sustainability with lower costs.
Examples include Reborn Electric Motors, which converts old diesel bus fleets into electric buses at a significantly lower cost than Chinese alternatives.
And Industrias Quantum Motors in Bolivia offers the Latin American population affordable electric vehicles.
Chile also uses abundant solar and wind power resources to explore green hydrogen production.
The government is working on a public-private partnership to develop hydrogen production capabilities, partly funded by the country’s lithium and copper production.
Although challenges remain, such as project administration and environmental concerns, Chile envisions its green energy production rivaling the mining industry.
Thanks to its hydropower and sunshine, Latin America already meets a quarter of its energy demand with renewables, nearly double the global average.
Chile and neighboring countries are committed to further increasing these numbers and driving the transition to a clean energy future.