Rural Electrification with Renewable Energy Programme

Country	Chile
Year Implemented	2001
Policy Status	In force
Agency	•National Energy Commission (CNE) •Implemented by regional governments
Policy Type	•Education and Outreach   •Advice/Aid in Implementation •Financial   •Funds to Sub-National Governments •Public Investment   •Infrastructure Investment
Policy Target	•Hydropower •Solar Photovoltaic •Wind   •Onshore
Policy Sector	•Electricity
Size of Plant Targeted	Small
Description	Chile launched a National Programme for Rural Electrification in 1994, providing subsidies and directly funding the electrification of rural areas. Starting in 2001, with the support of international bodies and funding (GEF, UNDP), the National Energy Commission (CNE) coordinated a programme aimed at promoting the use of renewable energy sources within the rural electrification programme. More specificaly, the programme seeks to stimulate the use of micro-hydro, solar PV, and micro-wind generation capacities for remote rural areas. In 2003, a large-scale project of 6,000 individual photovoltaic systems was launched, accompanied by a training programme for users and the creation of small businesses or rural cooperatives charged with operation and maintenance. Pilot projects and more large-scale programmes for wind energy began in 2001, along with wind-energy siting studies. Micro-hydro systems are being installed in various communities in the North and South of the country, and technical studies to install systems ongoing. Within the programme's framework, standardisation and norms for solar PV, micro-wind, micro-hydro and hybrid systems is underway by the National Normalisation Institute (INN); 14 Official Chilean Norms have been established for solar PV systems, one for wind systems, and 3 for hybrid systems. 27 other standards are currently under development.
URL	www.renovables-rural.cl