The project, which involves an investment of US$1.48 billion, will connect the Antofagasta Region and the Metropolitan Region via a 1,346-kilometer power transmission line.

The Environmental Assessment Service (SEA) recommended approving the Kimal-Lo Aguirre connection project, which will link Antofagasta and Santiago and involves an investment of US$1.48 billion.

This would be the first direct current power transmission line and will carry up to 3,000 MW. This is stated in the SEA’s Consolidated Evaluation Report (ICE): “The Environmental Assessment Service Executive Directorate recommends the full approval of this ICE.” The authority stated in the 1,676-page ICE that the initiative complies with environmental regulations, proposing appropriate mitigation measures and correcting inaccuracies in the report.

As the project is interregional in nature, it must be voted on shortly by the SEA Executive Directorate, and not by any particular Environmental Assessment Commission (Coeva).

Kimal-Lo Aguirre is 1,346 kilometers long, running from Kimal in the Antofagasta Region to Lo Aguirre in the Metropolitan Region.

The initiative passes through the regions of Antofagasta, Atacama, Coquimbo, Valparaíso, and Metropolitana.

An estimated 6,249 workers will be needed to build the transmission line, and 20 to operate it.

The project is mandated by the Chilean government through the National Electricity Coordinator (CEN) and is being promoted by Transelec, ISA InterChile, and Chile HVDC Transmission SpA.