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A challenge for growth

Hugh Rudnick (Master of Science and energy) says that nuclear energy is an alternative to Chile to study, "since the long-term electricity supply in the countryunfortunately does not have many alternative sources." The hydropower resource, non-conventional renewable energy and coal, which are present in Chile, he says, offer some opportunities, but associated withserious disadvantages. "

Although Chile has untapped hydropower resources, details Rudnick, bordering the 20,000 MW, of which half lies in Patagonia, south of the country, "this resource is notsufficient to meet the country's economic development, where as it is estimated that Chile's energy demand will double by 2025. "

Non-conventional renewable energies like solar, wind and geothermal, arestill too expensive to become massive alternative energy supply to Chile, he says, "are also intermittent, as would require backup heat at night, when our solar generators not respond. On the otherhand, renewable energy could only provide a power of 15% or 20% to the country's energy mix. "

The coal is emerging as another interesting alternative, says Rudnick, "because large volumes of ore inChile and has no geopolitical supply risks, unlike the imported oil prices high and volatile, like liquefied natural gas ( LNG). " But coal is highly polluting and in a world increasingly concernedabout the carbon footprint, he warns, if Chile "chars" further its energy, the country would worsen their competitive position regionally and globally.

Under the foregoing, nuclear energy is emergingas an attractive option compared to coal, says Rudnick. "With slightly higher average costs for coal, has the great advantage of abundant energy, emitting no greenhouse gases, and developed in Chile,it decarbonizes the country's energy mix."

For these reasons, the authority in Chile has decided to advance the study of nuclear energy, says Bernstein, as a way to decide the future if an option...