2022 Organizational Excellence Award Winner
Ministry of Chile
Leading the Way in Clean Energy and Gender Equality
https://energia.gob.cl/panel/about-us
https://www.gob.cl/en/ministries/ministry-of-energy/
Chile, led by its Ministry of Energy, exemplifies ambition, effective policies, and collaboration in harnessing its potential to become a paradigm for transitioning to clean and sustainable energy. The nation strives to set a precedent for other Chilean ministries in narrowing the gender gap within the energy sector. Chile’s remarkable achievements earned them the prestigious 2022 EIET Organizational Excellence award.
In 2019, Chile took the significant step of committing to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, becoming one of the first developing countries to do so. Recognizing the critical role of decarbonization in addressing its energy sector’s substantial contribution to CO2 emissions, Chile’s decarbonization strategy focuses on cost-effective measures such as phasing out coal power plants, expanding the use of renewable energy sources, green hydrogen, energy efficiency, and sustainable mobility.
As of July 2022, renewables account for an impressive 43.3% of Chile’s electricity grid, with solar and wind contributing to 30.41% of total electricity generation. Chile is poised to meet its national renewable energy targets decades ahead of schedule. Furthermore, 90% of electricity generation plants under construction in Chile are renewable.
Green hydrogen holds great promise as a catalyst for addressing sustainable energy development challenges. It offers potential as a fuel, a storage option for enhanced power system flexibility, and a clean energy carrier. Chile’s abundant renewable energy resources provide significant capacity for producing both green hydrogen and ample clean energy.
To foster gender equality in the energy sector, Chile incorporated a gender focus into its National Energy Policy update. The “Energía+Mujer” (Energy+Woman) initiative, launched in 2018, has garnered the support of numerous institutions and workers within the Chilean energy industry. The third year of implementing the Action Plan to address gender inequalities includes 10 thematic axes, 14 action measures, and 40 specific actions.
As a feminist government, Chile values women’s contributions to the energy sector and is committed to promoting equal access, dignity, and respect for women. The Gender and Human Rights Office of the Ministry of Energy aims to train over 18,000 people by 2030 (30% women) and cultivate energy awareness in educational communities, focusing on STEAM, gender, and interculturality.
Chile’s unwavering commitment to developing a clean, sustainable energy future emphasizes both decarbonization and gender equality. These objectives guide the nation’s daily efforts in the energy sector.
