Argentine and Chilean Governments Authorize the Exchange of Energy through the AES Andes Interconnection Line

  • The exchange will be carried out through the Interandes transmission line, whose recommissioning has been requested by the company.

  • It could replace 200 MW of diesel generation with the ensuing reduction in systemic costs, along with a reduction in emissions and renewable energy discharges during the day.

    Santiago, June 2, 2022.- Another step towards the implementation of the Greentegra strategy and the regional energy integration was taken today, after the governments of Chile and Argentina signed the authorization of the permit that allows energy exchanges between both countries through the Interandes electricity interconnection line.

    This permit was signed by the Chilean Minister of Energy, Claudio Huepe and the Argentine Secretary of Energy, Darío Martínez.

    The exchange will be carried out through the 345 KV Interandes transmission line from the Andes substation (Chile) to the Cobos substation (Argentina). The line has a length of 409 KM between the two countries.

    The authorization establishes that the systems will not be synchronized. Instead, they will deliver power generation components through electrical isolation from Chile during the day and from Argentina during the night.

    During the day AES Andes will deliver energy from solar power plants, and during the night Argentina will deliver energy from natural gas to Chile. In this way, up to 200 MW of diesel generation can be displaced at night, lowering systemic costs and reducing emissions in the local power sector. It will also reduce discharges of renewable energy during the day in the Chilean electricity system.

    The approved modality consists of exchanges of economic opportunities, which may be interrupted if deemed necessary by the grid operators of either country.

    The CEO of AES Andes, Ricardo Falú, stated that "it is a very useful tool, particularly during the period of energy shortage in Chile." He further added that "with this agreement, a very important step is taken towards energy integration in the region, which is essential for the safety and sufficiency of the National Electricity System."

    The officer further stated that this link will also be considered as an alternative in the event of electrical contingencies, which will improve the resilience of both systems.