Chilean copper giant Codelco has signed two energy contracts as part of its ambitious goal to operate entirely on clean electricity by 2030. The state-run miner announced that these agreements will deliver a substantial 1.5 terawatt-hours of green power annually starting in 2026, sourced from Generadora Metropolitana, which is owned by Chile’s AME Group and France’s EDF, along with GR Power Chile. The contracts, awarded through a public tender, will incorporate lithium-ion battery storage and will run from January 2026 to December 2040, catering to both current and future energy needs across Codelco’s extensive operations.
“With these contracts, we are strengthening our plan to completely decarbonize our electricity grid by 2030,” Codelco's chief executive, Rubén Alvarado, stated in the announcement. “This reinforces the path towards sustainable mining, aligned with our purpose of being a pillar of sustainable development in Chile and the world.” This commitment to renewable energy is part of a broader strategy that Codelco initiated back in 2018, which involved renegotiating legacy contracts and launching new tenders to phase out coal-based power in favor of cleaner, more affordable, and stable energy sources.
One significant renegotiation with Colbún and CTA has freed up capacity starting in 2026, enabling the two recent tenders. The first tender, awarded in 2024, was granted to Atlas, Innergex, and Colbún for 1,800 GWh per year. The second tender, sparked by the renegotiation with Engie (CTA), led to the agreements recently finalized. This strategic shift is projected to cut Codelco's annual CO₂ emissions by an impressive 2.78 million tonnes as the company replaces all remaining fossil-fuel electricity with renewables. Furthermore, this move is expected to protect the company from potential carbon tax hikes and future regulatory costs, enhancing its operational sustainability.
Currently, Codelco is a significant consumer of electricity, accounting for about 9% of Chile’s total electricity usage. The company’s transition to a clean energy matrix not only reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship but also positions it as a leader in sustainable practices within the mining industry.
Meanwhile, in the United States, Dane County, Wisconsin, has made significant strides in renewable energy. On April 22, 2025, County Executive Melissa Agard announced that every government facility in Dane County is now 100% renewable electricity offset for an entire year. “Earth Day isn’t just a moment—it’s a movement,” Agard stated during the Earth Day announcement. “From our lakes to our land, our people to our planet, we are investing in science-based solutions and taking bold steps to build a cleaner, greener, and more resilient future for all.”
To commemorate this achievement, libraries, highway garages, job centers, and other facilities will now display “Powered by 100% Renewable Electricity” decals. Agard emphasized that this initiative represents more than just a sticker on the door; it symbolizes a promise kept. “It’s a public commitment to a more sustainable Dane County and a reminder that real progress is possible when we lead with purpose,” she remarked.
Dane County has made history by becoming the first county government in Wisconsin to achieve this status and the fourth overall in the nation. Kathy Kuntz, from the county’s Office of Energy and Climate Change, highlighted the smart, forward-looking investments in clean energy that have led to this milestone. “We’ve made smart, forward-looking investments in clean energy that are paying off—both environmentally and financially,” Kuntz noted. “This milestone is just one of many steps we’re taking to build a climate-resilient Dane County. From solar arrays to energy-efficient buildings, we are laying the foundation for a sustainable future.”
Both Codelco’s and Dane County’s initiatives reflect a growing global trend towards renewable energy and sustainability. As more entities recognize the importance of reducing carbon footprints and investing in cleaner sources of energy, these examples serve as a model for others to follow. The commitment to sustainability not only addresses pressing environmental concerns but also ensures a more stable and resilient future for communities and industries alike.
