Chilean private players file objections over transmission expansion plan

Six private sector players in the Chilean power market have filed objections to Chile’s 2020 transmission expansion plan with the expert panel appointed to review these cases.

According to the information from the panel, large generators AES Gener and Enel Green Power (EGP), transmission firm Transelec, non-regulated power consumer association Acenor, Canadian energy storage company Hydrostor and local engineering firm Reliable all filed objections.

AES Gener asked for the reevaluation of two projects it had proposed, but which were not included in the plan: the expansion of the Quintay substation in Valparaíso region and the Loica substation in O’Higgins region. Meanwhile, Enel Green Power said an expansion of the Pichirropulli substation in southern Valdivia region should also be reassessed.

EGP also requested the expansion of capacity of the Nueva Maitencillo-Nueva Pan de Azúcar-Polpaico transmission line, while Acenor said a plan to expand the Parinas substation in northern Chile’s Antofagasta region would not be beneficial to the system in the short term and should be postponed for evaluation in future expansion plans.

Hydrostor’s objection focuses on two compressed air energy storage projects that the firm proposed but which were not included in the plan. These would have connected to the existing Lagunas and Pozo Almonte substations. Hydrostor said that the economic value of the projects had not been properly assessed.

Meanwhile, Reliable’s objection concerns a decision by the CNE not to include a proposed expansion of the Polpaico substation in the Metropolitan region of central Chile.

The expert panel will now review the filings and decided on whether the transmission expansion plan should be adjusted. 

Chile’s transmission expansion plans are drafted on an annual basis by energy commission CNE.