The modernization of Chile's electricity grid takes another step forward. Celeo Redes Chile announced that at the end of June it will open a bidding process to carry out four transmission expansion projects, under the new regime established by Law No. 21,721 on Energy Transmission , which changed the way these types of projects are developed in the country.
With the entry into force of the regulations, published in December 2024, the owners of the transmission facilities assumed direct responsibility for tendering, awarding and managing the expansion works, replacing the scheme that governed until then.
In this context, the Celeo Group subsidiary will launch a new call for projects associated with assets operated by Nirivilo Transmisora de Energía, Alfa Transmisora de Energía and Mataquito Transmisora de Energía , reinforcing the infrastructure in different areas of the national electricity system.
Four projects to strengthen the network
The tender includes four initiatives distributed across different substations in the country, with reference investments that, together, exceed USD 9 million .
One of the projects involves the expansion of the El Ruil 66 kV substation , as outlined in Decree 276/2025. The project entails an estimated investment of USD 2,423,877 and a construction period of 30 months.
Also part of the process is the expansion of the Loica 220 kV substation , associated with Decree 200/2022, with a reference investment of USD 2,344,506 and an execution period of 18 months.
The portfolio also includes the expansion of the Candelaria substation , corresponding to Decree 293/2018, whose development will require approximately USD 1,796,534 and a construction period of 24 months.
The fourth project involves sectioning the 66 kV Hualañé–Parronal line at the Mataquito substation. This initiative, linked to Decree 198/2019, will require a reference investment of USD 2,489,600 and an execution period of two years.
A new model for extensions
Beyond the specific works, the tender marks one of the first practical applications of the new Chilean regulatory framework for transmission expansion projects.
Law No. 21,721 seeks to expedite infrastructure development by giving a more active role to facility owners, who will directly lead the bidding processes.
This change is expected to accelerate the execution of projects needed to meet the growth in electricity demand and facilitate the incorporation of new renewable generation into the system.
Digital platform to ensure competition
Celeo reported that the entire process will be carried out through the Unilink Bidding Portal , a platform that will be enabled soon and will function as the official channel for receiving bids.
According to the company, the system will safeguard the confidentiality of the proposals, ensure equal conditions for all participants, and strengthen transparency during the bidding process.
With this new call, Chile continues to advance in the expansion of its transmission infrastructure, considered one of the pillars to support the growth of renewable energies and respond to the challenges of an increasingly decentralized electricity system.