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This paper investigates the causal effect of COVID-19 quarantine measures on the electricity consumption of different types of regulated customers. In particular, the average energy consumption of a group of customers in Chile is examined, exploiting the weekly variations in the application of the stages of the Step by Step Plan as a natural experiment. Step by Step Plan was the Chile COVID containment strategy, which involved implementing partial lockdowns based on the COVID incidence in the municipalities, and adjusted on a weekly basis. An econometric model is specified, and estimated using the technique Difference-in-Difference-in-Difference (DDD) to quantify the causal impact of these measures. After applying the model, it is found that the quarantine measures have had a negative effect on the trend weekly consumption of customers located in municipalities where some of the phases of the Plan have been applied. This effect is significantly different depending on each stage of the plan analysis, and statistically significant. It is also observed that, on average, the savings for a representative customer in the sample range from $ 8 to $ 6. 15 for some municipalities, and the sample costs range from $ 0. 02 to $ 0. 26 for others, depending on the municipality analyzed. The results can be expressed in a total of 2.95 tons less CO 2 emitted on a monthly basis. This shows a great impact in terms of sustainability and planning of energy demand and supply. • Quarantines by Covid 19 affected energy consumption, like a "Natural Experiment". • Using Panel Data of 400 thousand observations with geographic, temporal and Daylight Saving Time controls. • Difference-in-Difference-in-Difference method to quantify causal impact of quarantines on electric consumption. • Applying quarantines generated Energetic Savings from 8 cents to 6.15 dollars depending on client type. • An Event Study was designed to check the estimation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regional impact of climate change on heating and cooling demand is important to consider when designing optimal long-term energy policies. Several studies have addressed this issue, but either at a very aggregated level or without optimizing the whole energy system. The aims of this paper are to fill this gap in a generic way and to assess the impact of climate change on heating and cooling energy demands for residential and commercial sectors at the regional and nodal levels in the context of Chile's energy transition. We propose a methodology based on high resolution climate simulations for the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5 scenarios. First, a statistical analysis is performed to estimate the long-term trends of so-called heating and cooling degree-days and their impact on final regional energy demands. Then, demand pathways in the energy transition are assessed using a multi-sectoral energy planning model. Numerical experiments using data from Chile show an overall positive economic impact of climate change (limited to heating and cooling demands) for the energy system, with a significant decrease in heating demand compared to a limited increase in cooling requirements. For the RCP 8.5 scenario, cost reductions reach 2.1% of the total discounted system cost on the 2020-2050 period mainly due to a significant decrease of gas consumption for heating. This research highlights the importance for policymakers to consider climate change in efficient energy policies. [Display omitted] • Climate change impact on heating/cooling is assessed for Chile's energy transition. • Significant heating demand decrease and low cooling demand increase are observed. • A global positive economic impact for the energy system is estimated. • For the RCP 8.5 scenario, cost reductions reach 2.1% of the total discounted system cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity is a critical global-scale social risk. Several factors are affecting the availability of fresh water, like global population growth and the increase of industrial activities. Particularly in the mining industry, water is a critical resource for mineral production and road maintenance. Haul roads in surface mining operations are traditionally treated with large amounts of water to reduce dust emissions caused by large trucks that generate up to 97% of mine dust that reduces safety and mining productivity. An alternative to reduce dust in mining roads is the use of Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate (6H 2 O·MgCl 2), which is a byproduct of the local lithium. So far, there is no scientific evidence that combines laboratory and field research to assess the effectiveness of an industrial byproduct used as a dust control for mining haul roads. This paper reports a quantitative analysis of the effectiveness of 6H 2 O·MgCl 2 in reducing operational water based on a laboratory and field study. Laboratory results show an important water retention effect in 6H 2 O·MgCl 2 treated soils compared to untreated soils. In addition, results showed that soils exposed to higher air relative humidity increases the water absorption from the air, confirming the hygroscopic property of 6H 2 O·MgCl 2. Field results collected for a year in a copper mine located in an arid area of Chile showed that water consumption in haul roads treated with water only is on average 153 times higher than water consumption in roads treated with 6H 2 O·MgCl 2 brine. In other words, 6H 2 O·MgCl 2 brine treatment allows approximately 99% of water saving. The dust monitoring system using a laser device demonstrated that, on average, dust emissions are 3.4 times higher in roads treated with water only than in roads treated with 6H 2 O·MgCl 2 brine. Overall, the study concludes that using 6H 2 O·MgCl 2 brine effectively reduces water consumption used for dust suppression in haul roads, demonstrating that the use of 6H 2 O·MgCl 2 byproduct is a very promising material for addressing water management issues in the mining industry. Image 10741 • Water is a critical and scarce resource for the mining industry. • Traditionally, water is sprayed on open pit mining roads to palliate dust emissions. • 6H 2 O·MgCl 2 byproduct brine reduced spray water consumption and dust emissions. • A 99% reduction of water consumption for dust suppression was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transport sector stands in the core of Latin-American economies but is also responsible for 19% of CO 2 emissions in the continent. Battery electric trucks (BET) are a modern alternative to diesel trucks with the potential to mitigate the freight transport emissions of CO 2. This study makes an economic analysis, in a total cost of ownership (TCO) basis, for different weight classes and applications in five Latin-American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Uruguay. Based on data gathered by a state-of-the-art literature review, the aim of this paper is to calculate the break-even year for each segment's BET by means of a quantitative linear model. This model considers multiple parameters that vary between the different countries, such as purchase price, fuel and electricity costs, insurance and registration costs, maintenance costs, import tariffs and charging infrastructure costs. Results show that Chile and Uruguay are the first countries to achieve break-even while Argentina and Brazil the last. A lower mileage leads the transition together with light-duty trucks, whereas heavy-duty trucks fight to reach parity with diesel trucks. Initial investments on BETs are highlighted as the main barrier for their adoption since it is the main cause for the TCO gap between both alternatives, while the electricity and fuel cost differential is also identified as a relevant factor to achieve parity. Public policies such as tax exemptions and subsidies are analysed by studying their impacts in achieving an earlier break-even. Finally, this research provides insight into a currently deserted venue as it is the insertion of BETs in Latin America. • TCO approach developed to economically compare diesel and electric trucks. • Certain Latin-American countries were selected to make the analysis. • Upfront costs are the main barrier for battery electric truck adoption. • TCO depends heavily on electricity and fuel price variation. • Chile and Uruguay are the first countries to break-even in most segments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Carbon emissions from the Chilean public transport sector have doubled between 2000 and 2013. Thus, the need to find alternative clean-air solutions is becoming increasingly critical. With this in mind, this paper addresses a solution to the aforementioned problem by studying the conversion of both taxis and "colectivos" (public taxis with defined routes) into electric vehicles (EV) to be used in the Chilean public transport sector. In Chile, 80% of taxis are Nissan V16s, meaning that all of these vehicles will be replaced and end up in landfills within the next 5–8 years. This study presents an option to give a second life to these vehicles, addressing environmental and financial issues. It compares emissions from the Nissan V16's conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) with an equivalent electric conversion prototype. Furthermore, it analyses the CO 2 emissions from the EV that has been fully charged by the Chilean grid as well as one that has been charged by a solar photovoltaic system. A solar recharging station for EV taxis is designed, taking advantage of the high levels of solar radiation in Chile. The results show that EV conversion does not lead to real environmental benefits, in comparison to its ICE equivalent, when it is charged with the grid. However, the results also show a considerable decrease in cost and CO 2 emissions per km travelled when using solar energy to charge the batteries. Future challenges include identifying solutions to cope with solar intermittence and minimizing CO 2 emissions during periods of low radiation. Highlights • Conversion of ICE taxis into EVs in Chile. • Comparison of emissions of the Nissan V16 ICE with its electric conversion prototype. • Design of solar charging stations considering solar irradiation available in Chile. • Conversion does not show benefits when EV charged from electricity grid in comparison to ICV. • Results show decrease in running cost and CO2 emissions when EV charged from solar electricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon taxes have been proposed as a major instrument to mitigate carbon emissions and promote an energy transition to low carbon sources. However, its adoption remains politically challenging, particularly amid rising inflation and energy prices. Despite the need for more aggressive action on carbon mitigation to reach the Paris Agreement goals, few countries in Latin America have adopted carbon taxes and the tax levels are relatively low. A key concern for these countries, is to adequately assess the tradeoffs between stricter emission goals and the potential negative economy wide as well as sectoral and distributive impacts. In this context, in this paper we first propose a step by step approach to enhance an existing dynamic Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model for Chile based on OECD's Green model. The contribution of this research is twofold. Firstly, emission factors are estimated and the development of the electricity sector is aligned with the expectations of decision makers. As a result, credible emission and energy sector development forecasts are generated by the model, that are in line with what policymakers expect to happen based on other bottom-up engineering models. Secondly, this baseline is then used in the CGE model to examine the use of a carbon tax to reach Chile's first Nationally Determined Contribution. The required tax level is determined together with CO2 emissions and the economywide, sectoral and distributive impacts. The results allow concluding about the applicability of carbon taxes and possible complementary measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abundant evidence suggests that the massive global exploitation of copper mines over the last two decades led to mine aging expressed as ore grade reduction, deepening of open pits and underground operations, hardening of the rock, and increasing stripping ratios. These processes have affected the evolution and change of key environmental footprint indicators. Copper ore grade decline seems the most important of these factors and depends on variables including the rate of extraction, ore deposit geological features, introduction of new technologies, the copper price and its co-products, and the discovery and exploitation of new ore deposits. From 2001 to 2015 Chile increased its copper production by 22% and produced overall 80 million tons of copper, more than it produced in the entire 20th century. This paper explores the effects of mine aging on three key environmental footprint indicators: energy and water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. Electric energy consumption per ton of copper should grow in the coming decade at a significantly slower rate than in the last fifteen years because of the slowdown of the ore grade decline in mill concentrators. Additionally, a steeper decrease is expected for the emission of greenhouse gases per ton of copper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar energy technologies are a promising option to lower the greenhouse gas emissions of energy generation. Using solar technologies in energy-intensive industries located in arid climate zones is an attractive alternative for that purpose. In this work, the environmental benefit of integrating solar energy in the Chilean copper industry is explored in respect of global warming potential (GWP). A new life cycle assessment model for copper cathodes production in Chile and the integration of three solar technologies was developed. The GWP of the production of copper cathodes was calculated considering local representative conditions for climate, energy mix, and energy demand of the industry. It was computed at 6.0 tCO 2eq /t Cu 2 for a pyrometallurgical process (P-Cu) and 4.9 tCO 2eq /t Cu for a hydrometallurgical process (H-Cu). Further contributions of this paper are the consideration of the decline in ore grade (i.e. copper content in the mineral) and the interconnection of Chile's two main power grids as sensitivities to the baseline. The interconnection of the power grids causes a GWP-reduction of 22% for P-Cu and 37% for H-Cu. In parallel, the expected lower ore grade by 2020 would increase the GWP of copper production by 10% for P-Cu and 4% for H-Cu. If the electricity that is currently taken from the grid is exclusively fed by solar technologies, the reduction on the GWP of copper production would be up to 63% and 76% for P-Cu and H-Cu processes. These numbers do not represent the upper bound for the reduction on the GWP of copper production that can be achieved with solar technologies because the substitution of on-site fossil fuel combustion with solar energy is another interesting mitigation option, which was not considered in this study. In order to achieve even less carbon-intensive production processes, an improved understanding of the copper's industry energy flows and profiles is needed. This would allow to assess the integration of further solar energy technologies and conceive the future of solar copper mining . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the exergoenvironmental aspects of a Municipal Solid Wastes (MSW)-fueled Gasification Integrated Combined Cycle (WICC). Accordingly, the environmental impacts associated to exergy destruction, total environmental impact, exergoenvironmental factor and the electricity environmental impacts (EEI) are studied. A sensitivity analysis is carried out in order to have a good insight into WICC plant performance, focusing on MSW environmental impacts (0.1–0.9 millipoints (mPts)/kg MSW) and considering only CO 2 emissions as pollutant formation. The results show that the largest environmental impacts are associated to gasification and are mainly caused by chemical exergy destruction (44%) and pollutants formation (61%). The highest total environmental impact (B tot ) corresponds to the highest MSW impact, due to the impacts produced by the changes in the specific exergy of the streams. Discarding CH 4 and CO from pollutants formation, reduced the B tot and EEI by nearly 55%. Furthermore, the calculated EEI values (13.5 mPts/kWh) are lower than that reported for conventional energy systems (i.e. Natural gas: 22–26 mPts/kWh). Therefore, this technology could be a promising alternative for energetic valorization of MSW in the Chilean conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementing nationally determined contributions is more challenging for developing countries given potential economic consequences. Chile, a developing economy, is committed to reaching carbon neutrality by 2050. To do so, Chile announced multiple mitigation strategies such as phasing out coal by 2040, peaking emissions by 2025, and developing renewable energies. Fortunately, Chile holds a prominent renewable potential, standing out for solar, but it also has a significant challenge decarbonizing an economy that heavily relies on fossil fuels. The contribution of this paper is twofold. First, the first country-level disaggregated version of GCAM Latin America (GCAM-LA) was developed, where all South American countries are modeled as an independent energy-economy region. This model includes Chile as a separated region and incorporates interactions among the energy, water, agriculture and land use, economy, and climate systems. Second, different decarbonization strategies to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 were obtained, considering technology availability and high renewable energy potential. Results indicate that carbon neutrality is feasible when enforcing different combinations of the current Chilean mitigation strategies, even delaying coal phase-out by five years and failure of developing advanced solar technologies. If some policies are not fully implemented, such as delaying coal phase-out by five years or failure of developing advanced solar technologies, carbon neutrality can be achieved by incurring in a higher capital cost in the power sector. Moreover, decarbonization is mainly driven by high electrification levels in the final demand sector, reaching 53.7%–62.9% of the total consumption. However, such levels of electrification are reduced, particularly in the transport sector, when Chile relies on negative emissions from the land use and forestry sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementing nationally determined contributions is more challenging for developing countries given potential economic consequences. Chile, a developing economy, is committed to reaching carbon neutrality by 2050. To do so, Chile announced multiple mitigation strategies such as phasing out coal by 2040, peaking emissions by 2025, and developing renewable energies. Fortunately, Chile holds a prominent renewable potential, standing out for solar, but it also has a significant challenge decarbonizing an economy that heavily relies on fossil fuels. The contribution of this paper is twofold. First, the first country-level disaggregated version of GCAM Latin America (GCAM-LA) was developed, where all South American countries are modeled as an independent energy-economy region. This model includes Chile as a separated region and incorporates interactions among the energy, water, agriculture and land use, economy, and climate systems. Second, different decarbonization strategies to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 were obtained, considering technology availability and high renewable energy potential. Results indicate that carbon neutrality is feasible when enforcing different combinations of the current Chilean mitigation strategies, even delaying coal phase-out by five years and failure of developing advanced solar technologies. If some policies are not fully implemented, such as delaying coal phase-out by five years or failure of developing advanced solar technologies, carbon neutrality can be achieved by incurring in a higher capital cost in the power sector. Moreover, decarbonization is mainly driven by high electrification levels in the final demand sector, reaching 53.7%–62.9% of the total consumption. However, such levels of electrification are reduced, particularly in the transport sector, when Chile relies on negative emissions from the land use and forestry sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the importance and environmental impacts of metallic small-scale mining in Chile. This sector is characterized by the exploitation of primarily artisanal copper (Cu), gold (Au), and silver (Ag) deposits, which are dispersed throughout (Chilean) Regions I through VI, with heaviest concentrations in Regions III and IV. In 2000, Chilean small-scale mines employed some 1700 workers (5.1% of total mining workers), and plants with a production capacity of less than 50 tpd accounted for 0.97% (44,603 t) of Cu; 6.5% (3,484) of Au; and 1.1% (13,665 kg) of Ag output in the country. High-grade ore extraction, flotation, gravity concentration, acid leaching–cementation, and mercury amalgamation, are the main metallurgical technologies employed. Following an overview of Chilean small-scale mining, the paper examines the environmental impacts of its production processes, and discusses the legal support and regulatory framework in place for operations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents an agent-based model of the technological adoption of solar panels, including potential adopters' characteristics and their interactions. This study analyzes the theoretical impact of seven social influence strategies on the adoption of solar panels by householders within a solar neighborhood in the Providencia district, Chile. In this case study, established adopters account for 0.9% of the population, opinion leaders for 1.3%, and individuals in the network for 97.8%. Considering the population's high-level ambition and tolerance of uncertainty, we found that householders are mainly characterized as optimizers (89.7%), followed by inquirers (7.6%), repeaters (2.3%), and imitators (0.3%) agents. Our agent-based simulation model evaluated the social influence strategies based on economic, environmental, and social benefits. The results show that social influence strategies lead to a 19.27% increase, on average, in the total number of adopters concerning the base case. Then, we performed a multi-objective analysis to select the best adoption strategy. These results show that selecting the most connected agents in the network is a robust strategy the decision-makers have environmental or financial concerns. However, if the decision-makers' primary interest is maximizing the diffusion scope of solar panel neighborhoods, random agent selection is the most advisable strategy, given its ease of implementation. [Display omitted] • Consumat approach and Campbell's paradigm were integrated into a simulation model. • The results from seven social influence strategies are compared. • Selective seeding and random seeding are found to be the most effective strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chile is currently engaged in an energy transition process to meet ambitious greenhouse gas reductions and improved air quality indices. In this paper, we apply a long-term energy planning model, with the objective of finding the set of technologies that meet strong reductions of CO 2 emissions and of local P M 2. 5 concentrations. For this purpose, we use the existing ETEM-Chile (Energy-Technology-Environment-Model) model which considers a simplified version of the Chilean electricity sector that we extend to the residential and commercial sectors and to local concentration considerations. We propose an original approach to integrate in the same framework local and global emission constraints. Results show that to meet the goal of zero emissions by 2050, electrification of end-use demands increases up to 49.2% with a strong growth of the CO 2 marginal cost. It should be noted that this electrification rate is much lower than government projections and those usually found in the literature, in certain geographic areas in southern Chile with a wide availability of firewood for residential heating. Regarding local P M 2. 5 concentrations, our analysis shows that even without a specific emission reduction target, acceptable P M 2. 5 concentrations are achieved by 2045, due to first the emergence of more efficient, cleaner and cost-effective end-use technologies, in particular, residential firewood heaters, and second the use of drier and therefore less contaminating firewood. Achieving acceptable air quality as early as 2030 is also possible but comes with a high marginal cost of P M 2. 5 concentration. Our results illustrate the need for implementing effective public policies to (i) regulate the firewood heating market to increase its production and improve its environmental quality and (ii) incentivize the installation of efficient firewood heaters in the residential sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of water management, desalination industry has faced various economic and environmental challenges. Renewable energies and the incorporation of operational strategies such as demand-side management have been able to contribute with the aim of facing them. Nonetheless, it is necessary to continue studying demand-side management for water supply systems emphasising it as a strategic tool to make operational decisions. This article presents a methodology based on a novel Mixed-Integer Linear Programming model in order to program the operation of a seawater reverse osmosis desalination plant with one pumping station for a desertic remote agricultural zone, in accordance with the principles of demand-side management. A photovoltaic solar plant connected to the grid is considered as a renewable energy source. The mathematical model aims to establish the optimal hourly operating load of the system that minimises the daily margin of purchased electricity costs minus sales income of generated electricity. The case study where the methodology is tested is an agricultural area in Northern Chile. The proposed methodology in this paper establishes the basis for future research and industrial applications, considering that it can be generalised to other geographical situations, as well as being modifiable to be adapted for more complex water supply systems and/or other renewable energy sources. • A novel optimisation model was developed to manage a water supply system operation. • The developed optimisation model is based on demand-side management principles. • Demand-side management enables more efficient use of renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The question about how to choose the best recycling policy is particularly relevant in developing countries. On the one hand, many of these countries have no national waste management strategies, with recycling programs emerging as an independent initiative financed by municipalities, mostly in urban areas. On the other hand, the municipal budget tends to be linked to the wealth of their inhabitants. Consequently, an efficient municipal resources allocation policy to support recycling programs is especially crucial for the most vulnerable population, often located in rural areas. In this paper, we address the problem of optimal allocation of resources for the adoption of a recycling program by municipalities located in both urban and rural areas of a developing country, determining the best combination between two options: increasing and redistributing existing resources. Our research methods involve comprehensive data collection and mathematical modelling, adopting a logistic regression model proposed in the literature, formulating a non-linear optimisation model, and implementing a resolution method. In addition, recycling policies with equivalent results are described and analysed, discussing their political feasibility and economic efficiency. To illustrate our proposal, the case of Chilean municipalities is considered. Chile is a country from the Global South that belongs to the OECD and can be therefore compared to other documented cases. Although no official national data is available, we were able to collect figures by requesting information from every municipality in the country. The obtained results show an important lack of resources at the national level in MSWM, especially affecting rural areas. In this context, equivalent recycling policies with combined options could better favour rural municipalities. However, the average probability for the adoption of a recycling program by municipalities, although shows slight increases, is not enough for a substantial change towards a more sustainable waste management model. Our results illustrate the gap between urban and rural municipalities, the need to inject important funds into the system as a whole, and open the question of whether a more direct 'command and control' policy is required instead of just trusting the individual initiative of each municipality, even if more resources are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution represents a serious environmental concern in both developed and developing nations, with harmful effects on human health and populations' well-being. The literature documenting this topic focuses mainly on developed countries and has limited evidence in the Latin American context. This paper assesses the impact of particulate matter on Chile's individual subjective well-being. It uses individual self-reported measures of subjective well-being along with interpolation techniques to obtain the particulate matter measurements of 305 Chilean cities in 2013. Using an instrumental variables strategy, the main findings indicate that air pollution decreases people's well-being. Its negative effect is robust to several specifications and becomes larger when the parameters' potential bias is reduced. On average, Chileans are willing to pay 7.46–11.98 USD per month to improve their air quality. The results are also valuable for policy makers, helping them to justify implementing policies aimed at controlling industrial emissions and traffic congestion and increasing the number of monitoring stations across Chile. • Apply the Life Satisfaction Approach to value air pollution in Chilean cities. • There is a significant individual life satisfaction decline due to air pollution. • Endogeneity might seriously undermine the estimated parameters. • In Chile people are willing to pay 7.46–11.98 USD per month for air quality improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given that most of the mines in Chile are situated in regions with high solar resources, solar power could play a significant role as an alternative solution to satisfy the electricity demand in the mining industry. This paper aims to investigate the feasibility of integrating solar power technology into copper concentrate plants (CCPs). Three commercial technologies (PV, CSP, and hybrid PV-CSP) are considered for integration into four existing CCPs of different sizes and located in different regions. To provide comprehensive analysis, the design, performance and economic assessment of 12 cases are carried and the investment costs are estimated taking into account characteristics of the Chilean market as well as the effect of scale. The performance analysis reveals a strong influence of the degradation rate on the electricity production of solar power plants. The first-year capacity factor of the CSP units is around 68% while it is around 32% for the case of PV units. Due to the degradation in the performance of the components, the lifetime-averaged capacity factor is about 9% lower than that of the first year. The economic assessment indicates that PV is the most suitable technology for integration into the CCPs. The Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) of PV-CCPs ranges from 35.53 to 44.40 USD/MWhe, depending on the size and the location of the plant. The LCOE for the cases of CSP-CCPs and PV-CSP-CCPs ranges from 127.08 to 168.88 USD/MWhe and from 91.89 to 118.91 USD/MWhe, respectively. The modified internal rate of return (MIRR) of the PV-CCPs ranges from 8 to 9%, it discounted pack-back period (DPP) ranges from 5 to 6 years. The DPP PV-CSP-CCPs ranges from and from 15 to 23 years respectively. Overall, the CSP-CCPs are not atractive investments due to high LCOE, longer DPP, and MIRR. However, the sensitivity analysis revealed that its LCOE could be lowered by reducing the investment costs. For instance, a reduction of about 10% in the LCOE is possible if the specific investment costs of the TES is cut to about 10UDS/kW th. Image 1 • We focus on the integration of solar power technologies (SPTs) into the copper mining plants (CCPs). • 12 cases of solarized-CCPs is evaluated technically and economically. • The costs of solar power technologies in Chile (PV, CSP, and PV-CSP) are established. • The LCOE of PV-CCPs is about 4 times lower than that of CSP-CCPs and 50% that of PV-CSP-CCPs. • PV-CCPs and CSP-PV-CCPs are viable options but CSP-CCPs is viable only in sites of high solar radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the relationship between international trade of avocado and the related virtual water trade over the period 2000–2016. Using a Physical Trade Analysis, we show that commercial and virtual water trade grew rapidly moving almost hand-in-hand in the years taken into account: in parallel with a remarkable increase of international trade of avocado from 0.4 Mt in 2000 to 1.9 Mt in 2016, the global virtual water trade of avocado increased from 408 Mm3 to 2238 Mm3 over the same period. The analysis emphasizes a large disparity between developed and developing countries, with the former being net importer of water and the latter large net exporter. In particular, large avocado-related water flows move from countries already under chronic water stress such as Mexico, Peru and Chile towards more water-rich regions such as US, Japan, Canada and the European Union. As a consequence, the overexploitation of water underlying the avocado trade flows may end up worsening environmental conditions in many relatively poor countries in which the export of avocado is often regarded as an important source of economic growth. • We study virtual water trade of avocado using Physical Trade Analysis over 2000–2016. • Avocado is mainly exported from water-poor to water-rich countries. • Large water flows move from Mexico, Peru and Chile to US, Japan, Canada and the EU. • Intra-European trade shows large re-exports from Spain and the Netherlands. • Export of avocado may worsen water scarcity in many relatively poor countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate Change and its effects in water scarcity has become an important challenge for cities with water management problems. These problems require an integral planning of the city, which can be supported by optimization. The main goal of the research is to provide a regional optimization model for water networks, including new treatment options. The model is formulated as a multi-objective mixed-integer programming problem, focused on environmental and economic impact of the network, minimizing water extracted from natural sources and total cost. The formulation is developed with the goal-programming methodology. The model covers a complete existing city-scale water network, including 4 different options of water reuse within the city: drinking water, fresh water, irrigation, and discharge in natural courses. The case study is Santiago, capital of Chile, which is the political, economic, and institutional center of Chile. If both objective functions have equal importance to configure the solution, the following ideas characterize the optimal water network: (i) it is more environmentally and economically convenient to reuse water within the network rather than recycling water to the natural source; (ii) the reuse of water is preferred in the form of irrigation and drinking qualities rather than industrial qualities to reduce transport costs, and (iii) the modification of the current treatment plants is preferred, because of the high cost of installation of new plants. An environmental and cost-effective solution for Santiago, Chile, can reduce the source water extraction in 35.7%. The model can be implemented in other contexts, providing orientations to decision-makers so as to plan city-scale water networks with simultaneous environmental and economic considerations. Image 1 • Climate Change has modified the water availability in hydric stress zones. • Planning large-scale water networks is an adaptation strategy. • The paper optimizes a water network with environmental and economic objectives. • The model reduces the water extraction from natural source of a case study in 35.7%. • The best scenario reuses water within the city rather than recycling to the source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many countries around the world district heating can play an important role in decarbonisation since it provides an efficient way of displacing fossil fuels and integrating renewable energy. Simultaneously, in some countries heating is based on the burning of biomass in individual stoves, which can be considered renewable but results in both inefficient heating and high contamination. In such countries, air pollution or decontamination is a more urgent problem. This paper presents the application of a methodology to analyse how district heating could be used as an important technology for coordinated decontamination and decarbonisation purposes looking towards 2050, based on an energy system analysis using hourly simulations, and using data based on spatial analysis to be able to explicitly include a Chile-specific cost for district heating. The results show that district heating also has the potential to be an important infrastructure to reduce air pollution from biomass combustion for heating, in addition to its better understood role of enabling decarbonisation and energy efficiency. • District heating has the potential to address both air pollution and decarbonisation. • Multiple alternative energy system scenarios for 2050 are proposed and quantified. • Heat Roadmap Chile scenario reduces the particle matter by 40% compared to the reference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

United Nations' members came together in 2015 and agreed on seventeen sustainable development goals which include hundred and sixty-nine targets related to sustainable development into the overall economic, environmental and social contexts of countries to be achieved by 2030. In order to achieve these goals, more effort may be required than the current policies and strategies. This is particularly true for the energy sector as energy is the key enabler for all development activities. Therefore, there is a need to analyse the required effort and energy to implement these goals based on countries' specific context. The objective of this paper is to assess the indicators of energy-related sustainable development goals and calculate the additional energy requirement to achieve each goal by 2030 for Chile. The key findings of the research indicate that Chile will meet fourteen energy-related sustainable development targets by 2030 under the business as usual scenario. However, Target 2.1, Target 5.b, Target 12.3, Target 13.1, and Target 17.6 require extra energy to meet sustainable development goals in Chile by 2030. Approximately 16 million GJ additional energy is required in order to meet energy-related sustainable development goals in Chile than the business as usual scenario by 2030. This research output can provide insights to researchers trying to assess the achievement of sustainable development goals in other developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2017, environmental taxes on the emissions of global (CO 2) and local air pollutants (SO 2 , NO x , and PM) were introduced in Chile for stationary sources with thermal power greater than or equal to 50 MWt. Therefore, this paper uses the environmental extension of the Leontief price model and micro-simulations to analyze the main economic, environmental, and distributive effects of this policy. The results show that with the current tax rates, a minimal decrease in emissions is achieved. Also, other scenarios are simulated to evaluate the impact of modifying the current tax rates. For example, it is determined that the increase in taxes on local (global) pollutants complements the reduction of emissions from global (local) pollutants. Finally, the results of the Leontief price model are transferred to microdata to analyze the effects on the poverty rate and income distribution. The micro-simulations show that the indicators of the income distribution are little sensitive to the environmental taxes on global and local air pollutants, but the poverty rate rises more in the case of increases in the CO 2 tax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]