The challenges of developing and converting energy projects and the early integration of communities were the focus of the discussion “Environmental and Social Sustainability in the Energy Sector” , organized by Generadoras de Chile as part of its 15th anniversary.
At the opening, Camilo Charme, Executive Director of Generadoras de Chile, stated that the energy transformation must be addressed holistically. “The energy transformation is not simply about replacing one technology with another. It also requires creating the conditions for infrastructure to develop safely and sustainably, and for that development to be adequately reflected in the territories and communities that host the projects,” he noted. Along these lines, he emphasized the role of electricity as an enabling infrastructure for the country's development.
The first session addressed project development and conversion. Following a presentation by Pablo del Canto, head of the Project Development Division at the Ministry of Energy, a panel discussion moderated by Carolina Urtubia of Generadoras de Chile took place. Participants included Del Canto, Camilo Quiroga of Guacolda; Claudia Cerda of Enel; and Francisco Merino of ContourGlobal.
The second segment focused on community integration in energy projects, with presentations by Paola Berdichevsky, General Manager of Shared Value, and Cristóbal Carmona, a researcher at the Human Rights Center of Diego Portales University. Following this, Pablo Acchiardi, from Generadoras de Chile, moderated a panel discussion with Berdichevsky, Carmona, Bernardita Friz of Pacific Hydro, and Javiera Vásquez of Enfragen, centered on early engagement, human rights, and long-term relationships within communities.
Presentation of guiding principles to strengthen the development of local suppliers
As part of the event, the association presented the “Guiding Principles for the inclusion and development of local suppliers in generating companies”, a document prepared -during 2025- together with its member companies and with the support of Shared Value.
The guide aims to provide a voluntary and flexible framework for strengthening the participation and development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in supply chains. Drawing on experiences from the energy sector and other industries, it identifies barriers that can hinder their integration and compiles best practices related to procurement processes, access to opportunities, capacity building, and collaboration with public and private stakeholders.
The document is structured around four principles: respect for laws and regulations; protection of health, safety, and human rights; integrity and good faith in business; and contribution to local development. Its application is voluntary and can be adapted to the characteristics, capabilities, and context of each company.