Mejillones’ Local Energy Strategy
Climate mitigation and Adaptation Plan
Mejillones transitions from coal to clean energy
Client
Chile’s Energy Sustainability Agency (Agencia de Sostenibilidad Energética);
Municipality of Mejillones
Population
15,000
Schedule
2023-2024
The Problem
Long a major industrial and mining hub, Mejillones, Chile, is grappling with pollution, inequality, and blackouts following recent coal-plant closures. Known as a “Zona de Sacrificio” (sacrifice zone) where industrial activities have harmed the local environment and residents’ health, the town stands at a crossroads as it works to shift toward sustainable, community-driven energy development.
The Problem
How can Mejillones build a reliable, sustainable energy system that supports local development?
63%
of local generation capacity is coal-fired (2022)
23h
average hours of power outages annually
The Solution
To accelerate Mejillones’ energy transition, SSG partnered with local consulting firm Ecological and the Mejillones government to design the Local Energy Strategy, which combines solar rooftops, efficiency upgrades, and workforce training, to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The measures aim to reduce blackouts, cut emissions, and create jobs while making the most of the community’s limited resources.
SSG conducted in-depth analysis of electricity supply and demand, renewable energy potential, and energy efficiency opportunities to support Mejillones to develop a clear roadmap for reducing emissions. The Strategy was also informed by a participatory process that brought together 54 representatives from government, the private sector, and civil society for three community workshops in March and April 2024.
The Strategy includes three flagship initiatives identified as priorities by community participants:
- A subsidized residential solar roof program with batteries
- Energy efficiency upgrades in public buildings
- An agreement with the private sector to provide employment training
Together, these measures will diversify the energy mix, reduce power outages, cut pollution, strengthen community resilience, and create jobs.
The Outcome
The plan sets ambitious goals for clean energy, grid reliability and energy efficiency:
15%
target reduction in average energy consumption of medium and large companies within 10 years
50%
of homes and public buildings to be equipped with solar panels within 15 years
83%
target reduction in average annual hours of power outages
as compared to a business-as-planned scenario. See the Local Energy Strategy (ES) for more information.
Outcome
Key Takeaways
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